Intermediate-Risk: Do You Need Hormone Therapy With Radiation? |

[@jameshibbert9813]

At age 78, I have shocked my doctors by declining hormone therapy. Good news. I am still active and work physically most days of the week. This is good news to me as well.

[@robwells230]

Congratulations Hats off to you for standing up to the medical CARTEL that coerced, deceived, extorts, and intimidates men into ADT CASTRATION. I was forced into getting one shot of Eligard that they said was a six month shot, yet, two years after that toxic shit was supposed to expire, my Testosterone level remains only half of what is acceptable with horrific quality of life destroying side effects. I should have been given the choice to accept the risk of a slightly worse cure rate than to be ending up like this as a ZOMBIE EUNUCH for the rest of my life.

[@robwells230]

@@jameshibbert9813 I refused further ADT after the first six month shot of Eligard because the side effects were insufferable. Now, two years after that toxic shit was supposed to expire, my Testosterone level remains below castrate level with little hope of ever recovering. Best wishes in your journey. Keep us informed

[@artlautenbach5768]

I was diagnosed with a PSA of 37.2 and a PI RAD 5 tumor with 3 +4 Gleason Score early April last year at age 65. I started 6 months of hormone therapy with Lupron Depot on May 5th when they installed the Space Oar, and 28 sessions of external beam radiation to my prostate, seminal vesicles, and pelvic lymph nodes on May 22th. Treatment was successful. I found the hormone therapy to be wicked. Especially the hot flashes, and muscle and joint issues. But everything has gotten back to normal. The hot flashes subsided only in the last month, so the side effects of the 6 month injection lasted 11 months. I did 5 miles or greater of daily walking during my entire treatment and post treatment period.

[@patpolicastro6622]

Although I appreciate and applaud your aerobic exercise efforts the real key to overcoming side effects of ADT is resistance training.

[@leonardola9161]

@@artlautenbach5768 im 64 i had the same thing the hormone treatment to shrink my prostate from 125cm to 70cm. I tryed trimix 40 units injected and it didnt work. I will try 50 units next hope it works.

[@sherwinmoscow9455]

My two cents: I am 70 yr old male, had Gleason 4+3, chose radiation (SBRT), and declined ADT. This is a very reassuring study!

[@keithcolegrove2924]

70 also. Waiting for my biopsy results.

[@davewilton3101]

70 as well. One 3+4, others 3+3, psa 7.12. I chose radiation only. My RO aggreed stating we could start HT down the road if needed.

[@sherwinmoscow9455]

@@davewilton3101 Best wishes for a successful treatment journey. A bit surprised that even with 3+4, you chose treatment as opposed to AS...To the larger question, I have to believe that many urologists and oncologists are marketed to do by pharmaceutical interests to promote ADT.

[@sherwinmoscow9455]

Good luck for a successful journey, whatever road you take!@@keithcolegrove2924 G

[@hyway62]

Any side effects from the sbrt?? Ed etc

[@Rickster6118]

These videos are so important ! 55 years old PSA was 69. Gleason 4+3 confined with possible ext. 1 HDR brachythearpy, 25 rounds of radiation and ADT orgovyx and zytiga. I'm at 6 months with the adt. 48 months was recommended. I agree that alot of information was missing when I started. It was layed out as a process. Side effects were not discussed on any of these processes. I value these videos because the stress of researching yourself is greatly reduced due to this kind of content. Thank yall for all you do!

[@ricknowak4582]

Right away they want to give you hormone treatment.Because it's extra money for everybody involved. I just can't get my head wrapped around the idea that they would take testosterone away which is a very helpful thing for your body to have. They take it away and it makes you sick. W t f. I don't believe cancer feeds off Testosterone. That's what they want you to believe. T o sell you hormone treatments 4:20

[@io3010]

I had PSA 13.5, Gleason 4 +3 7 in two cores, 3 + 3 6 in three cores all left side of the prostate. My Urologist and Oncologist suggested I receive 23 EBRT and LDR Brachytherapy with no ADT. I was very, very happy I didn't have to go through ADT, im 56 years old, 5 grandchildren, ride motorcycles, snowmobiles, love to walk and hike National parks with my wife and quality of life was my #1 goal with my treatment. So far so good, PSA after 8 months down to 2.5. Very few issues, just some urinary urgency at night. I had a friend who chose Prostate removal, he died 4 days after surgery from a blood clot. Im still not over this loss. Thanks, PCRI for all your help and advice and steering me toward radiation treatments!

[@hyway62]

Thats shocking to hear about your friend and tragic and scary. I was offered surgery but don't like the high % of possible side effects, i have 3 cores 3+4, highest core 20% 4, and 1 core 3+3 left and 3+3 right, psa 8.8. Iam looking into getting nanoknife or hifu, or if i can't get them then seed brachytherapy, but no ADT i will take my chances without that. Sorry to hear about your friend, so sad.

[@io3010]

@@hyway62 Thank you for your thoughts. My friend was a fellow Veteran, 58 years old and healthy otherwise. I think his urologists talked him into surgery, and he was scared to question a doctor and now he is gone because of it. Just had his first grandchild. What a tragic loss. I wish everyone could see Dr. Scholz and PCRI. Good luck with your treatments. Do what's right for you and be satisfied with your choice and just enjoy every day!! Life is a gift.

[@hyway62]

Did your friend get robotic key hole surgery, did u get LDR seed brachytherapy and u have only urgency as a side effect?

[@io3010]

⁠@@hyway62 My friend got the robot assist surgery. I got LDR brachytherapy and just had some loose stools after the procedure. I’m up once a night now to go to the bathroom, and during the day go quite frequently.

[@jondon9963]

I had thought that it was either/or with Brachytherapy and some form of external beam radiation. Interesting that you were suggested both.

[@ricknowak4582]

This episode has confirmed by decision. Finally. I am going to get proton radiation with absolutely .... NO hormone treatments.!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@TERRY-cb2ku]

Thanks so much for this video. My PSA is currently just above the normal range for my age. (5.56 is the highest it's ever been. Is currently 4.3) I have one 8mm lesion in the left central anterior region of my prostate shown on MRI scan. No other lesions are noted in the prostate, lymph glands or pelvic area. Haven't had biopsy yet, but I will get it done. Hoping for a clean slate or a Gleason 6 or a low 7. I'm almost 73 and can still function sexually. I might accept radiation therapy but I don't think I would want hormone therapy unless absolutely dire circumstances prevented other alternatives. I have watched dozens of these videos on different platforms, and this one is by far the best for information, updates and real hope for alternative treatments.

[@greggsanders]

Thank you for helping me to stop second guessing my decision to skip ADT when I was diagnosed in 2020. The female medical and radiation oncologists acting like it was the only choice before surgery or radiation therapy. I discussed my concerns about ADT with a male radiation oncologist, who explained it was really my decision, and the statistical difference between having ADT and not having ADT. I chose to skip ADT and have Radiation Therapy. I was nearly 70 years old then with intermediate grade PCa. I have had a bit of a PSA bounce in the last 6 months, and I have been second guessing my choise. This presentation makes me feel like I am not crazy and I made a good choice. Thank you.

[@carladerenzy3674]

My PSA was 525 a year ago and now .2. I'm on two ADT's (Nubeqa and Orgovyx), and I just finished a Lutetium trial (6 infusions). Result is "significant reduction" in bone mets and no new lesions since April '23. My Oncologist seems determined to keep me on ADT's indefinitely, but I'm not prepared to live with the side effects for a great deal longer. They are, for me, mostly psychological, but also hot flashes. I'm 61. Gleason was initially very high, 9 (grade 4+5), I was metastatic, but my blood work has been extremely positive in all areas and the Lutetium had little negative impact on me during the period I was getting it. I'd love to try a hormonal holiday later this year. As you pointed out, the side effects of the ADT's are not well explained by doctors. They focus mostly on loss of libido (which has not happened), loss of erectile function (minimal loss), and hot flashes. Very little discussion about the psychological toll of ADT's. That impact is the most surprising: super-heightened anxiety mostly, emotions irrationally amplified. Thanks for more great advice and ongoing videos from you both.

[@leonardola9161]

Thank you for the info

[@mikepatel7235]

Thank you Dr. Scholtz & Alex, as always great discussion and insights 😊

[@valleus]

My prostate cancer was stage three. i did lupron with radiation. it was a rough ride but I think I did well. The radiation proctitus is no fun but Im using suppository steroids for the inflammation. I still find myself very emotional and I've been off the drug lupron for a year now. i get depression a lot. I do a little of walking . being outdoors and walking feels really good. I get a blood test every three months and I also get a stool test and so far there's no active cancer so that's a good thing. I live my life as best as I can.

[@rosecolored2024]

This is a great video. I am 73 years and I was a 4+3=7. I had a 3-month lupron shot on August 28th, 2023, and declined the second 3-month shot due to side effects. They were not horrendous but they were troublesome. They are now just about gone after 7 months. I had 15 sessions of IMRT beam therapy followed by one session brachytherapy boost. All went well with essentially no pain. Also, no pain from the biopsy because the doc used plenty of lidocaine. With this excellent video, I'm glad I declined the second lupron shot.

[@ricknowak4582]

Do you have any urine retention problems? I am scared of getting that. I have slow urination especially at night time and I wake up at least five times per night! I always have waking up but lately the slow stream and hard starting is troublesome and I worry really worry if the radiation might make me have to self-cather.OMG!

[@rosecolored2024]

​@@ricknowak4582I have no urinary retention problem but I do have some urgency. That was starting before my radiation. I have always had slower urination if I use artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. Talk to your urologist about the problem.

[@richardrosebealprestonjohn3144]

My husband had those symptoms! Went on and off a catheter 3x but doc gave him euromax(South Africa) and that helped him get back to " normal". ​@@ricknowak4582

[@robertpettigrew3862]

Had radiation and hormone therapy. Would never do hormone again. Side effects devastating

[@troyelam8978]

What were some of the effects? I’m thinking about getting it.

[@captain-curly]

@@troyelam8978 Hot flashes day and night weight gain and joint pain!

[@gvet47]

The most terrible sweats all times of the day and night. Change you cloths three time a night. Even end up with enlarged breast Basically how men want a sex change Shrinks your penis and tiny balls! Never do it as they cannot say it extends your life anyway. 😢y@@troyelam8978

[@rosecolored2024]

​@@troyelam8978hot flashes, fatigue, some joint pain

[@Lanceanddian]

Why was it devastating I'm getting ready to start

[@cobia224...]

THANK YOU !! Timely info I needed.. I have an 8.1 PSA and a 3+3 Gleason.... 58 YO...I will be starting Radiation in a couple of weeks.....Glad I declined hormone therapy after seeing this...Thank you

[@jnlracer1834]

Best of luck!! I don't know where you are located but go see a sexual health doctor before you start. The doctor has penile therapy that can lessen your symptoms from radiation. I don't know what they are but my husband is starting radiation in a few months. We just went to the doctor today. We should have been there 2 years ago before he had prostate removed.

[@Komodo8215]

Don’t do radiation or anything with 3+3. That is not cancer and it never spreads. Watch Dr Sholtz other videos on this.

[@fredellis5764]

A very helpful video for me as I consider options. I don’t want to do ADT and this helps me with the decision.

[@stevekline5608]

2 1/2 years ago I had 12 cores taken and 8 were positive. All were Gleason 7,2 were 4+3 and 6 were 3+4. At age of 65 I choose radiation and had 42 sessions. I was not going to do 6 months of HDT because of side effects. They talked me into doing it and I think HDT is why I got my ED problems. If I was to do again I think I would have passed on the HDT after seeing this video about the study.. Mine wasn't too bad , had hot flashes and was tired. Could care less about sex. Good luck with everything.

[@clemchirpich4907]

Thanks for putting out this information. I received radiation and ADT (Lupron) previously. My quality of life suffered from ADT. I wish I could go back in time and change my decision. - I am working on improving my quality of life with new personnel. Thanks for your good work.

[@jm-bv1wh]

I can empathize with you. Would like to go back and change my decision on ADT too. It's ruined my life. Best wishes.

[@ricknowak4582]

Of this comment.I am leaning towards surgery. I would rather put up wearing a diaper then suffering through the hormone treatment side effects. In fact today I wore a diaper around the house to see how it would be. Not bad at all. Now, Nine times might be a lot worse. Cause I pee a whole lot. What........ I need to get a rubber mattress covor to protect all the pay that the diaper does not collect ?! I'm serious.

[@williamsanders4634]

@@ricknowak4582 the adt has little to do with radiation or removal. It’s about the possibility of microscopic spread having already occurred. ADT is like insurance and makes the tumor more receptive to the radiation. I did 28 rounds of imrt with 6 months adt a year ago with no regrets. I started with pirads 5, Gleason 7 4+3 and psa 9.7. Now psa at 0.2.

[@johnmchale8308]

@@ricknowak4582Rick you do know that surgery doesn’t exclude you from hormone therapy if you’re a high Gleason score or had spread ……

[@edwardbertorelli7358]

This site is an amazing resource....thanks for all you do

[@John-the-Bass]

This is great information. I am 75. Four years ago I had radiation and two levels of hormone therapy. Enzalutamide & Zolodex. I did not tolerate the hormone therapy well. In short it was hell! Quality of life was very poor. I am still suffering the effects and I do not want to take anymore. I will accept any risk in the future. Thanks to you!

[@carladerenzy3674]

I'm with you, John. Still on ADT's, but angling to get off. Would rather continue with strict lifestyle changers and the non-stop exercise, etc.

[@leonardola9161]

I took the 6 month lupron hormone shot i wont take the next shot. Hot flashes Sever e.d. Depresion Sleep disruption Mood swings

[@allenvaughan1]

THIS IS THE ONLY VIDEO I HAVE GIVEN A "THUMBS-UP" BY YOUR ORGANIZATION.

[@scottdavis5749]

I have one 3+4=7 at 40%core and five 3+3=6 at 5%. PSA 5.4 and PIRADS 4. I have started 28 radiation treatments without hormone therapy. Was glad to hear my Dr took this right course for me. 54 years old

[@dr.mickeyjones5822]

Did you receive Proton Therapy?

[@scottdavis5749]

@@dr.mickeyjones5822 No I am currently doing IMRT

[@markfitz-george1938]

just received a Gleason 3+4=7 in 4 cores right side 3+3 in 3 cores left side PSA 5.2 PIRADS 4 havent gone with a treatment plan yet , probably go with radiation seeds , no hormone therapy , also wondering if its worth looking outside of Canada for more effective less evasive treatments ? i know it would be expensive but less side effects might be worth it !! So what kind was the 28 radiation treatments you are recieving ? im 58 yrs old

[@DrpervasiveId]

​​@@markfitz-george1938brachy done right IS the most effective & least harmful curative therapy. Focal therapy has less side effects but is not more effective .. may buy you time if that's what you're looking for.

[@leonardola9161]

How many radaition treatments do u have left and any problems ? I have 28 radaition t starting august 12 24.

[@alanaldpal950]

I am 61 yo, and had Gleason 7 (4+3) with PSA at 10 and just finished 20 visits for Proton Beam Therapy at Loma Linda in SoCal. I told the proton doctor that I preferred not doing hormone therapy and he was fine with that. I was surprised that he did not try to convince me otherwise. By the way I had a PSMA pet scan that showed the prostate CA was confined to the prostate (and showed I had a developing aortic aneurysm, which I had surgery for before the Proton Tx, but that’s another story). Time will tell if that was the right choice, but when looking at the additional side effects of adding hormone therapy to radiation, I might have opted for surgery after all, which was my first inclination. I ended up not doing it but my proton doctor said having a HDR brachytherapy treatment could have been done in conjunction (shortly after radiation was completed) with the Proton Beam Therapy.

[@tomas6451]

I'm 61, i had Gleason 3+4 in one sample all contained and very small. Was lucky to go to Stanford and after many tests only needed 5 sessions of sbrt radiation. Now just dealing with fatigue in the afternoons, but no major side effects. All working normally too :)

[@tomas6451]

Just had my first psa 3 months after first treatment. My psa on first day of treatment was 13.4, doc said it should be roughly half after three months and it went down to 7.6. So all is going well and I feel great

[@MM-sf3rl]

Were the neurovascular bundle spared as wall as the internal Pudeneal artery. I was told yesterday that the SBRT could cause 50-70% to have ED. The doc said the nerve bundles must be radiated.

[@MM-sf3rl]

Do you know if the Stanford radiation is the MARdian System used for MRI-Guided SBRT, i.e., real time guided MRI. I understand that margins can be reduced by 50%.

[@tomas6451]

@@MM-sf3rlyes they are

[@cabacronulla]

had SBRT therapy back in March 2024 for 4+3 Gleason with a PSA 8.9. Advised by my Oncologist that i didn't have to have Hormone treatment which was good news as i was going to forego Hormones.Its now November and just had a scan and blood test for Testosterone level...PSA is now 1.0 and my level for Testosterone is 8.9. I'm 65 years old...Fit and still go surfing most days and diet plays a big role these days...Report said cancer in remission.

[@roger1uk676]

This is gold! Great info from dr scholz and alex! And important because as time goes on treatments are changing, so its essential to ask questions and do your homework!

[@ricknowak4582]

I think It's all about money to the pharmaceutical companies. Especially the company that makes.... l u p r o n. Can you imagine how much money goes to these pharmaceutical companies. I don't even believe that testosterone feeds the cancer. I don't believe it. Why would they take to stostern away from you. When it keeps you healthy. To fight cancer you have to be as healthy as you as you can.

[@garymckeeby85]

Thank you for this information. As an SBRT patient nearing completion of my treatment, this was very informative and helpful.

[@davidbutler574]

Thank you so much! I had Gleason 7 (2 out of 12 specimens) treated with Proton Therapy. Highest PSA was 4.1. I refused ADT and my doctor was upset. I am glad I did.

[@maxstyle3286]

It seems that we both had the same PSA ( 4.1) and Gleason 7 ( 2 out of 12 specimens ) . Mine was 3+3 in one specimen and 4+3 in the other RZTM . May i ask if your was 3+4 or 4+3 ?

[@michaelclennan8425]

As a retired 77 year old CPA and CFP, the most valuable takeaway is : ......you have to get totally unbiased advice from an experienced professional with no financial stake in the advice. As Mark Twain said: a financial incentive blocks the truth. Pay for independent advice. " Free" financial advice is the most expensive . -------Asking a long time professional Ford dealer, if you should buy a Tesla or BMW, is not bright.

[@jamesvezina9886]

I am now age70 I had 8 months Lupron ADT & IMRT radiation 20 doses in 2023 The hormone therapy takes a long time to disappear I was told My PSA a month ago 0.32 was undetectable before with ADT I have a persistent soreness in my right foot When dx April 2023 I was 4+3=7 Stage 2C At the time no metastatic spread was found Thank you for educational videos God bless you in your work to help us PCa persons

[@longbowbill]

Im 58. Diagnosed at 56. 3 coress positive 1 core 3plus4 just 10 percent. I decided after much research and talking to many people to NOT have hormone therapy. I ultimately under weent 45 treatments of EBRT. Been a year since treatment, PSA continues to go down. Minimal side effects. I am very grateful of my choice.

[@ricknowak4582]

Why didn't you go on active surveillance? You only had one core 3 + 4 = 7 and 10% volume on the four! I would have done nothing! Oh well it just me. What was the volume on the other two cores? That's very important. The volume of the 3 + 4 = 7. On the ....4.

[@longbowbill]

@@ricknowak4582 the other 2 cores were Gleason 6

[@leonardola9161]

Good choice bcuz the lupron is very bad. I have to do 28 external beam rads in august 2024

[@geneferguson1163]

I had prostate cancer treatment 10 years ago. My PSA gradually rose to 2.0. I had radiation and 3 months of adt. I decided I wanted no more adt. Mainly because of long term effects. But short term were troubling as well. I'm 68 years old. I'm fine with the 3 months, but I want no more ADT. Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@jarettcron8894]

Thank you for ALL the information. Not just pieces that fit a biased narrative. Also, I wonder how many men have died from complications from ADT. Many are not spring chickens afterall. A case of a type of cure potentially worse than the disease it is treating. I have just started my journey with rising psa. Again, THANK YOU so very much for all the information you share And Thank You to all the pioneers finding better ways to diagnose and treat all these issues.

[@alanaldpal950]

I don’t know about dying from the complications of ADT or hormone therapy, but I thought that in increased the thoughts of and/or likelihood of suicide? Not sure about that, but please comment if you know more on that

[@jarettcron8894]

@alanaldpal950 Same here.

[@hyway62]

Rising psa isn't the end of the world, a lot will depend on your mri and possible biopsy, but we all know what your going through, its tough stick with it, there is light at the end of the tunnel

[@peacefulruler1]

I doubt anyone has died of ADT. Women live their whole lives with low testosterone. I know one older guy whose testosterone never recovered after Lupron…it’s still low. I’m on orgovyx and other than lower energy I don’t notice any differences.

[@kylasbibi]

@@peacefulruler1women aren’t supposed to have high testosterone. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@unapologetic7900]

I'm 73, psa of 5.6, 12 point biopsy showed 2 sites with 8+8, (looking to get a second opinion) both adjacent and on the left side only. The other 10 were all negative 0+0. Waiting to get in for a PSMA PET CT. I'm otherwise in great shape, on TRT, running and weight training several times weekly. I do 14 undroken bar pull ups, deadlift 250 (I'm 170lbs). I have worked hard to get to where I am, and I'm very reluctant to go on ADT and lose it all, much less become a potted plant. Hoping to just get a Focused treatment like Brachytherapy, Tulsa-pro, or Cryo. Wishing everyone all the best.

[@GregSloan-r5z]

75 yr old. Original dx aug ‘21 Gl 7 4+3. EBRT caused too much pain and led to bladder cancer. Surgery & chemo took care of it. 4 weeks after chemo my wife died from a large glioblastoma. 4 weeks later I had HDR 9/17/21. 9/17/23 psa > 7 and dx stage 4 11/14/23. 1 6mo lupron shot on dx. I used RSO to go to no evidence of disease by 4/19/24.

[@snakemanmike]

After watching this video, I asked my doctor about the hormone treatment that I started a month ago and which he said will last for 12 months, in conjunction with radiation. The side effects of the Orgovyx are unpleasant and do interfere with quality of life somewhat. I start radiation next Tuesday. I asked about stopping the hormone treatment once the radiation has started, and my PSA is at zero. He says that he goes by the guidelines, and that the hormone therapy is indicated for a year. He did add that it was my choice, and that I could stop anything I wanted, something I already knew. However, I am reluctant to go against anything that my oncologist recommends so strongly. BTW, I have had a prostatectomy, but it was not able to get all the cancer and it has metastasized to the left side of my pelvis.

[@tedmetre6933]

I am in the same boat as you. I had a prostatectomy and it also metastasized to my left pelvis as well. I took one shot of Lupron that lasts for 3 months. I am almost at the 3 month mark and am almost done with radiation treatment. I had 10 radiation sessions on the tumor in the pelvic area and will when done 40 on the prostate bed area. Right now my psa is

[@NobodyNobody-hx6wh]

I noted your photo, are you receiving treatment with the VA? If not, it is worth considering, at least to obtain other opinions and potentialy additional treatment options and testing.

[@johndefenderfer5946]

I would recommend to any man that declining hormone treatment is not only a viable option but should be your preferable one if it all possible. Unfortunately, a small group of men like me that have already had a prostatectomy followed by radiation treatments already are somewhat stuck in the hormone treatment life vest for possibly the rest of our lives. Obviously, the best thing for me and other men would be not to have another relapse but that is not totally up to us.

[@johnnydee6659]

ADT is not to be taken lightly. Hot flash are the least of your concerns. Muscle and bone loss were terrible for me, and dental issues too. Here's one you don't hear much about, disruptive sleep patterns. I would wake up every hour, for no reason. Fatigue in the afternoon was another. I was high risk and they wanted me to do two years of Orgovyx, I ended it after a year. That was enough.

[@yiqingzhou5172]

Same for me, one year Lupron. I have all the problem of Muscle and bone loss. Never had dental issue all my life, now having cavities. Extreme fatigue and VERY bad sleep- up every hour.

[@leonardola9161]

6months of lupron I have sleep disruption

[@henrydufour9688]

Excellent video. Im 65 yo with a Gleason 8 localized. 20 radiation treatments plus 2 years of lupron. The ADT was very difficult at first with hot flashes and exhaustion. After 5 injections finished I get a 1 week spike in symptoms after each injection and then they subside...mostly. I do try to walk and do resistance training which reduces the symptoms, although it is difficult to get motivated when your body wants to sit all day in an easy chair. Having a walking buddy for motivation would be a great strategy.

[@tomjgrant]

I will not have ADT. 77 yo getting SBRT intermediate 4+3 clear PSMA decipher .51

[@tomjgrant]

love you guys!

[@F8Tributo]

9:01- From PubMed- "Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) by chemical or surgical castration is invariably followed by the recurrence of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) within a median of 14-20 months (Sharifi et al. 2005)" If ADT only leads to CRPC, then why bother with it at all? Better to go full Keto w/intermittent fasting.

[@andanh8]

"Better to go full Keto w/intermittent fasting." will this cure or put cancer to remission?

[@aidanmiller4595]

thank you Dr. Scholz and Alex. Based on the information from PRCI I had the MRI done and then the guided biopsy resulting in a 3+4 GS two years ago. The prolaris genetic test indicated active surveillance so that is what i have chosen. The first urologist i went to 4 years ago didn't know about prostate MRIs or the prolaris or other genetic testing. Once he saw the biopsy results he wanted to schedule surgery. Based on that urologist's lack of current prostate advances I changed to UofM and my oncologist is much more informed. My PSA is slowly rising and i have had my 3rd prostate MRI and it showed little to no legion growth. from two years ago. I would only go for the radiation treatment and avoid the ADT based on the scary side effects.

[@hyway62]

How does genetic testing predict if your lesion is going to grow very slowly or not? Just curious because iam 3+4 in 3 out of 5 cores highest core was 25% 4, and 2 cores 3+3 left and right. Iam thinking of doing Active surveillance on the 3+3's and getting nanoknife or hifu on the 3+4, thanks for your comment its very helpful

[@robertmonroe3678]

It is indeed interesting that Docs routinely recommend radiation alone for organ-confined 3+4 yet routinely add ADT to organ - confined. Gleason 4+3. It’s almost as if they do believe radiation alone can kill Gleason 3+4 but not 4+3. Or is the ADT to address escaping micro-metastasis (more likely to occur in 4+3)?

[@MyCousinGrandpa]

Excellent info. Thanks guys.

[@peacefulruler1]

Testosterone actively helps the body repair the damage caused by radiation. This is why blocking testosterone makes radiation treatment more effective. Patients with psa below 0.2 at time of radiation had the best outcomes. I’m on orgovyx and I haven’t had any hot flashes nor noticeable fatigue so long as I eat properly. I’m going to the gym and doing well.

[@patpolicastro6622]

OK I may be an exception but… 🎉I am almost 80 and had 6 months of Lupron and 25 treatments of radiation to prostrate and pelvic area as a precaution there might be microscopic spread. None on scans. I am Gleason 4+3. I am a gym rat and walk around 5 to 6 miles a day. My T was 700 to start and returned to normal 2 months after ending ADT. Just wanted to let you see that there is another side to this ADT story.

[@leonardola9161]

Your t recover is awesome thats fast hope mine does the same.

[@gemmabobis2323]

So good to hear this is possible..Good for you !

[@robertmonroe3678]

ADT such as Lupron seems almost medieval in its wide-ranging and serious QOL side effects. Surely there must be a more modern approach.

[@paulpaulm7354]

Great info. My doctor last week basically told me the same thing. I'm 74 and he's inclined to only do radiation. I'm low to medium risk.

[@corgiowner436]

I did a short course of Orgovxy pus radiation with one 4+3 lesion. The side effects were devastating-I was suicidal ant one point- and I still am not myself a year later. I told my urologist I’d never do it again.

[@leonardola9161]

How much longer on the hormone treatment ? Your not alone i had 6 month lupron in may 2024 cant wait for it to wear off.

[@corgiowner436]

@@leonardola9161 I’ve been off the orgovxy for a year. Now I need testosterone supplements. My T level didn’t return to pre treatment levels on its own.

[@gemmabobis2323]

How long were you on ADT?

[@corgiowner436]

@@gemmabobis2323 six months

[@ACTIVEPAIR]

NHS Oncologist keen to get me on Hormone Therapy and Radiation. I asked him outcomes from having HT and he came up with a rate of 15% better outcome with HT! I’m trying to avoid Radiation with integrative treatments but at 58 really not going to take HT.

[@robwells230]

It is entirely your choice. As long as you get full disclosure about ALL the horrific quality of life destroying and life shortening side effects and carefully weigh those against the small hoped for benefits. Unfortunately, most doctors obfuscate the long term and often permanent partial or full CASTRATION. Testosterone recovery may take more than five years, and more often, low T is a permanent result of this cruel and barbaric treatment

[@cherylconklin3288]

Look into fenbenzadol & ivermectin

[@lougreco7311]

Question, did this study include both intermediate favorable and intermediate unfavorable patients?

[@ZappaorPri]

After watching many videos on this channel, I am very impressed, but offer this constructive feedback. There is too much reference to technologies (e.g., PSMA PET scan) that insurance companies will not approve as a diagnostic tool. Second, most men do not have the resources to consult with more than two clinicians. Overall, it's important to discuss tools and approaches that are accessible to all patients, including those with limited means and time. More attention should be given to those patients. Finally, it is clear that this channel represents an overall non-interventionist approach. I prefer that to doctors that are overly prone to intervention or biopsy, but it's important to remember that this channel is just one perspective of many.

[@leonardola9161]

True

[@ronoster2]

@@leonardola9161 what are some of the other many channels?

[@stephenowen6576]

I’m 63 psa 13 Gleason 6 after watching this I have decided to have IMRT with no hormone therapy so glad I did but was pushed to have it but refused I think people are rushed into having treatment they don’t fully understand

[@Mark3ABE]

Just over years ago I was diagnosed with stage 3a prostate cancer, a Gleason score of 8 and PSA of 7.4. After seven months of Bicalutamide (75g per day) I then received twenty treatments of targeted radiotherapy and after than had a further eighteen months on Bicalutamide 75g per day. My PSA fell to undetectable after the treatment, and six months ago was 0.19. The Oncologist thinks that it should rise up to a normal level for someone of my age eventually. If the rise is gradual, this will be a good sign. I did not really have any side effects with the Bicalutamide - occasionally, I did feel a little tired, but, generally, just continued as normal.

[@EdWeibe]

well, after watching this, I feel a little more confident in what I've undergone thus far. .I'm in a 6 week holding pattern AFTER radiation, but still on ADT.

[@DaveKnepper-wf1wo]

This is an awesome video. This is very good to know info. Thanks.

[@davidallsopp3645]

Excellent summary

[@ricknowak4582]

I'm glad you're talking about unnecessary hormone treatments.Doctor schultz. Because for a while there , I thought you were being compromised by the pharmaceutical company. To getting a commission. Take it back. For ... Indorsing their products.

[@robwells230]

Deciding on PC treatment options is like buying a used car. Doctors tend to be like sleazy car salesmen that sell their junker saying how great it is, just driven to church on Sunday by a little old lady. I want a doctor more like my trusted local mechanic that I ask to do a pre-purchase inspection, who will tell me the WHOLE TRUTH, that the car engine has bad compression, the transmission slips and is leaking oil, the differential howls and the brakes are worn out. I sometimes think Dr Scholz is more of the salesman than the trusted mechanic, but I am pleased to see him being a little more honest about the horrific quality of life destroying side effects of ADT. I will only truly trust a doctor's advice in ADT CASTRATION if he has personally been on ADT for at least two years. Otherwise, he is just parroting big pharma sales propaganda. Listen to your patients, not the big pharma sales propaganda

[@communicationiskey-]

What does “younger” patient mean? Can you add a number, 30 40, 50, 60, below 70 years old ? Thank you

[@MichaelG-x3f]

I appreciated this discussion and reference to April 2023. I aske a dr about Prostox and he knew nothing about it as we discussed SBRT. I then responded to his inquiries about ADT and I told him I was not bought on that. So rather than seemingly being unwilling to pursue Prostox unless I persisted, he suggested I take a test Artera which he says will tell me if I am more likely to benefit from hormones with radiation. Can Dr Schulz discuss this Artera AI test in light of study discussed in this video? Or anybody familiar wit Artera AI test?

[@charlesgair8608]

At 65 I Had Gleason 4+4 .I Refused Hormone Therapy Had 4 Weeks EBRT Then June 2023 I Had Permanent BRACHY Seed Implants. Last Minth My Oncologist Told Me PSA Is 0.6 And My Cancer Is Gone And Is No Longer Detectable.

[@lougreco7311]

So I was intermediate unfavorable with Gleason 4+3 and finished 28 sessions of proton radiation. I was able to get a voucher for Orgovyx and tolerated it great for the first month, then my insurance denied refills for my 3 additional months. I was scheduled to have ADT 4 months total. Insurance wants me to switch to the monthly Eligard shots for the remaining 3 months. After this info, not sure I need to.

[@terrystoupa8586]

Eligard (Lupron) is also available as a 3-month subcutaneous dose.

[@RobertJoynt]

Based on genomic testing, I choose to forgo ADT with my SBRT treatment which conclude in October '23. PSA dropping!

[@hyway62]

How does genomic testing predict if u should go on ADT??

[@RobertJoynt]

@@hyway62 Not a Dr. - but genomic tests like Decipher help decided on a treatment plan, dual modality.. I did both Decipher and Polaris(?) - both showed that I was right on the edge of needing both. I choose to pass on ADT

[@hyway62]

I see u got SBRT any bad side effects with that, like ed or low or no semen

[@RobertJoynt]

@@hyway62 I believe seminal fluid is produced by the prostate, my prostate is dead, so very little ejaculate. I had lite ED before, but morning viagra takes care of that..

[@maxstyle3286]

I had PSA of 4.1 and biopsy report from 12 samples showed one 3+3 and one 4+3 . The bone scan showed no spread . I did have an MRI . PI-RADS 4 , 7X6 mm rounded T2 hypointense lesion in the right posterorectal peripheral zone . Having said all that , I understand that the study shows that for Gleason 7 do not really have to do hormone therapy . By Gleason 7 , i understand 4+3 and or 3+4 . Am i right ?

[@jeffprentice]

What does this study mean for high risk intermediate? Gleason 3+4, PSMA no spread, but high decipher .9 and intraductal diffusion. Did proton and included lymph. Started Orgovyx Nov, Proton Feb, would like to stop Orgovyx in May at 6 months but Dr recommends another 6 months. I'm confused as to the benefit of hormone therapy after treatment. I'd be interested in knowing what increased risk I incur by stopping at 6 months. I'm 70, would like to get my life back but not at the expense of increased possibility of recurrence.

[@ElisabethMarinoni-i3l]

Janiya Glen

[@xokissmekatexo]

@ThePCRI do you have a video on PSMA showed no uptake of the cancer using f18. Cancer is present on biopsy 4+3. PSA is 3.2. Why isn’t the PSMA picking up the cancer? This would make it hard to monitor me in the future I assume? MRI was priad 5.

[@CdubKindafunny]

I so appreciate PCRI and these video. I had an RP in 7/21. Recently I had a sudden recurrence with a doubling rate around 5 or 6 months. Results of my PSMA petscan are two affected pelvic lymph notes. I am 68 years old. With Gleason 9 and bilateral SV involvement. I am meeting with my urologist to discuss treatment options. I have no enthusiasm for adding in hormone therapy to what I am sure will be radiation treatment. What do you others think?

[@Prog-t9d]

Hormone therapy is very tough to handle. Consider other treatments.

[@leonardola9161]

Im 63 gleason score 3+4=7. I was put on lupron for 6 months. I dont know why i should have refused.

[@emryoxford2226]

I declined ADT initially 15 years ago now 72. Relapse did a year of Xtandi messed up my feet along with reg adt. Relapsed took leutecium 3 doses with amazing results according to my rad onco, onco and uro scan specialists. Got 3 more pluvicto tx in the bag onco said. Istanbul March 22 when was just approved in US. Psa non detectable

[@mikethompson3613]

The study was made on patients with Gleason 7, T2b-C, PSa greater than 10 patients. I assume by Gleason 7 that it is 4+3 and or 3+ 4. What is your understanding and am i right about my assumption?

[@johnmchale8308]

My 4+3 Gleason seven grade 3 Was on my initial biopsy report from Weil Cornell And the pet scan was borderline on the lymp node 2.6 suv. They wanted me to have aggressive hormone therapy upgrade me to grade 4 metastatic…. I went to Memorial Sloan Kettering, A fantastic radiation oncologist, nothing to worry about we can give you SPRT on a new electric machine go take a vacation. There is no rush. The lymph node is not a concern. It’s probably a false positive. You have low PSA numbers. Perplexed I was wondering why they were singing a different tune well today I went to the portal and I found the pathology report they did which I wasn’t aware of and that Gleason 7 4+3 grade 3 is only a grade one 3+4 favorable As the Slogan goes Where you treated first matters

[@johnmchale8308]

People get a second opinion at a center of excellence

[@debraarnold3703]

My husband received ADT Lupron 3 months ago at Mayo Clinic for biochemical reoccurrence rising PSA & PET revealed 4 metastastic pelvic nodes. He's 4-1/2 yrs post-RP, Gleason 9 PSI 3.78 lis Post surgery, +there was on a shadow on MRI of his neurogenic bladder due to T-11 spinal cord lesion. 2 months post Lupron, lymph nodes show 50% reduce size from PET. Biochem Reoccurrence PC, is diagnosed through rising PSA, which is caused by testosterone, "period." ADT blocks testosterone. He's 72, spinal cord lesion diagnosed 2013 already affected his labido, so I don't know if a other 72 year olds would normally be against ADT because of labido. Men can take a theoretical interest in sex without labido, staying alive seems more important to us, personally. Of course my husband will have side affects from ADT. There's no impact of Treatment beyond 80 years old, but hormone therapy could impact the protein beam radiation in a positive way. Much younger men have embarked on Lupron and ADT. A few guys 52 years old with Gleason 6-7 have done well on ADT. I don't agree with the message in this KZbin. There is too negativity on this site regarding the downside of side affects from ADT on this site, opposed to the function of ADT which is to block testosterone which is the only way to prevent rising PSA, abd rising PSA post RP is a biochemical reoccurrence which will have a good chance of Mets to Pelvic Nodes, first, and from there..., yeah, it can kill ya. Stay alive. Ask questions. Know your numbers. Keep up with surveillance (everyone is nervous about surveillance but knowledge is power) post diagnosis and/or initial treatment & surgery. Guys are living a long time on ADT with radiation. Most aren't invalid's the way these 2 are making it sound here. Watch more videos on patient's talking about their QL. Tell your doctors what your QL is prior to treatment. If you're into sex, tell them. They wanna know everything. If they don't, go someplace else. Is my advice. Live. Thrive. Be prepared to be amazed.

[@Pochi1]

You must not have heard them clearly. He stated this is for intermediate and low cancer only and not like your husband with a Gleason of 9. He stated that with that you need to do the hormone therapy.

[@sandrarechisky3644]

The new study makes a lot of sense! My husband is 71. His highest PSA was 4.2. His Gleason score is 4+3. PSMA negative. His doctor sent his biopsy slides for genomic testing and to confirm the results. They concurred with the original results and hormone therapy was recommended. Can I get the information on the study so I can approach his urologist and RO? Thanks!

[@robgerety]

Good lord. Could I have skipped this 6 months of lupron/darolutamide?

[@gemmabobis2323]

You’re on the same ADT as my husband. Did you finish your course? Are you still experiencing symptoms? Inquiring about a 3 month course is tempting vs 6 mos. He started end of last month. No symptoms yet. Hopefully he doesn’t get major symptoms.

[@badass46060]

Need confirmation. 57 yo. 2 of 12 positive. One 3+4. One originally 4+4 regraded to 4+3. Had a bump as well on prostate. Gleason 7.1. HDR brachytherapy on the 19th of July. Wish I had done this right away. Only side effect so far one more trip to the bathroom than normal on the middle of the night and no ejaculation. Mentally tough but I can get past it. PSMA clear of metastatic cancer. Completed 3 of 25 EBRT at a state of the art center. DR pushing ADT but he’s been in the business 25 years. I feel it’s habit and wants to cover his rear end by at least offering. Areotome or similar name test shows I have a 6% chance of the cancer being metastic in 10 years. ADT cuts it in half. I feel comfortable forgoing ADT. Am I right or tell me I’m crazy. I appreciate you reading this and your opinions.

[@irmavep2]

Question: Would a large prostate (145 cc) be a factor in deciding whether to include ADT with radiation?

[@douglassmall8450]

y'all need to state your staging. this study (J Clin Oncology, 2023) was T2b and T2b only

[@elitetrader5468]

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but one caution in my analysis is that this trial doesn't have a long enough follow up to make a meaningful conclusion. It is interesting to note that distant metastasis rates were significantly lower with a hazardous ratio of 0.25. I think we need more follow up to really know.

[@brianv.1300]

10:25 Hormonal Treatment Results

[@kimfashimpaur8309]

My husband has Gleason 9, doctor said ADT a must with 40 treatments of proton.

[@samr-qk9qu]

I completed IMRT for intermediate PC 3 months ago. What type of specialist is best to follow-up with to monitor PSA? Radiation Oncologist, medical oncologist, or urologist? Thank you.

[@helener2477]

How do I find the best prostate Dr in our specific area. that's up on the latest research lik Dr Scholz is ? Do the research institute keep any kind of a list?

[@hrc3448]

I'm 63, I have controlled Parkinson's. I have a reoccurring prostate cancer and my Radiologist wants me to do ADT in addition to radiation. I'm saying no. Can you weight in on the risks of Parkinson's escalation with ADTm

[@HowieGreen-v2q]

I had gleason 3+3 postive margins after RP. Should i be worried about it spreading from the prostate bed?

[@salmana4239]

Just completed my last session of radiation w/o adt . I would encourage deciper test in the mix as well Great video

[@CrazyHeat59]

they want me on ADT for 3 years, I'm high risk Gleason 9 , on Lupron only 3 months, side effects are horrible. I guess I have to man up from what you are saying

[@annecook8529]

What if you are high risk with 4x4=8 Gleason. My doc wants me to do hormones to slow down my cancer in the seminal vesicules for 9 months and start the radiation at the 3rd month. I guess we can always start and stop if hormones too bad. Doctor wants to slow down the PSA growth before radiation. He said out of 4, I am at T3.9. Suggestions

[@salsamink]

Great info like always, thank you. I was worried because they took dad off his oral med when his PSA started rising and now he is on Pluvicto. I asked Dr if he should stay on oral med incase some cancer cells still react to it, but he said it didnt work like that. Now dad’s PSA is in the high 200s and I’m hearing through the grapevine that Pluvicto is not meant for prostate cancer that has only spread to bones. Weird because they recommended dad for pluvicto before xofigo. Are there any new oral meds for when casodex, zytiga, and xtandi has stopped working? That’s where dad is now. He is on his 2nd pluvicto treatment now.

[@ThePCRI]

Thank you for sharing. Please reach out to our helpline at PCRI.org/helpline if you need help or further information. We know this is a lot to go through and we just have to say you are amazing.

[@leonardola9161]

I hope ur dad is restored to full health.

[@salsamink]

@@leonardola9161 Thank you. Dad finished his 4th Pluvicto treatment, but due to ignorance on my side to be able to advocate on how platelets & radiation conflict together and neglect on the med dr giving the pluvicto, dad is now in the hospital. Major brain bleed and bone marrow/platelet damage from pluvicto, due to continuing pluvicto treatment when platelets got under 50000. I voiced concern about his platelet drop to pluvicto dr after his 3rd treatment, but dr assured me this was normal for pluvicto so they were continuing treatment and platelet transfusion would fix any issue. This wasn’t the case, after his 4th treatment dad landed in hospital with platelets in the 20000 which quickly dropped to 11000. This caused a major brain bleed which he had to get emergency brain surgery after transfusions. Neuro dr at hospital was amazing. Now due to pluvicto damage, platelets are not staying up even with daily transfusions and dad has been in hospital for three weeks. In God’s hands now. Also blaming myself for not stopping 4th pluvicto treatment because not being educated enough on it to detect dr neglect. After speaking to several pluvicto patient groups, I think the PSMA scan to detect hidden prostate cancer that has spread is more of a miracle, than the actual pluvicto treatment. Saying this, I still feel that under a caring & responsible pluvicto dr, pluvicto can still extend lives for some. There’s not much choice when a prostate cancer patient has tried other things already. I’ve tried to find information on my dad’s situation on platelets issues after pluvicto, but haven’t found anything even though after talking to caregiver groups this seems to be a frequent issue for many pluvicto patients. Sorry for the book. Hopeful someone has info to share on help when pluvicto radiation damages platelets/bone marrow function. Feeling lost and helpless.

[@cherylconklin3288]

Look into ivermectin & fenbenzadole

[@salsamink]

@@cherylconklin3288 thank you. I’m researching now.

[@patricktrussell7465]

Any news on AOH 1996 ?

[@AdrieneTilman-d4o]

Marvin Plaza

[@FieldingDonahue-l8y]

Reinhold Throughway

[@robwells230]

Please clarify exactly how much true benefit to overall survival is gained by adding ADT CASTRATION ....for 6 months, ....for adding 12 months, ..... for 18 months and .... for 24 months So men can carefully weigh the small benifit vs. the cost of the horrific side effects of this cruel and barbaric treatment that destroys quality of life and actually reduces life expectancy. Men need the true facts before they xan give FREE AND FULLY INFORMED CONSENT.

[@KelvinRoger-h3e]

Senger Crest

[@cycloneyou]

Need some help have psa 9.4 had a mri doctor tells me the mri shows lesions , want me to targeted mri for them. This was told over the phone. I have not seen the mri report. Would this report tell me the size of the legions. Should I be able to see the report to make my decision.

[@gerardhartze5864]

Does the doctor know about the new PSE blood test that are supposed to be 94% accurate opposed to the PSAs 55% accuracy and does he recommend it?

[@MiltonDora-w5g]

DuBuque Plaza

[@olddude1800]

There are two accurate but expensive tests that can be done on tumor tissue to determine whether you would benefit from hormone therapy. One is called the Decipher test and the other is an AI test by a company called Artera. I highly Ask your doctors for these tests. Both confirmed I would not benefit from hormone therapy.

[@MichaelG-x3f]

Did you get Artera test?

[@olddude1800]

@@MichaelG-x3f yes.

[@MichaelG-x3f]

Thanks. I was looking to find someone who did it. So I guess u would have done ADT if it said it would help you or would you have still possibly decided not to do ADT based on study Dr Scholz discusses in this video?

[@olddude1800]

@@MichaelG-x3f not sure what I would have done. Glad I didn’t have to make the decision.

[@MichaelG-x3f]

Thanks for your replies. I’m headed toward SBRT. Initially said no ADT as side effects could cause me a lot of problems. But Dr wants to order Artera. Not sure what I’ll do either if result raises question about not using ADT. Your responses have been so helpful. I thank you so much again!

[@MichelleWise-u6e]

Feeney Corner

[@TrinidadCaudill-q8j]

Hannah Ville