Proton treatment results/side effects?

wwdlink

I appreciated feedback from my initial post in early June. I was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in May (G9, T2b... so far) had MRI and cat scans (all negative results) as well as MRI to check for metasteses from previous melanoma. Because of my high gleason scores, my urologist initially recommended radical prosectomy, but sent me to a radiation oncologist, who recommended 81 Gy in 45 fractions with IMRT & IGRT. At a follow-up appointment, urologist changed recommendation to radiation and hormone therapy.

Inbetween appointments and tests I continued learning more about this disease (lots of posts here!) trying to make a decision about which treatment to pursue. Just as I was ready to choose one option I'd read stories about recurrence or side effects from treatment that moved me in the opposite direction. However, I was leaning toward radiation.

I decided to return to MD Anderson for a consultation through their prostate therapy center (MD Anderson 'managed' my cancer care in '05, although I received proton treatment at Loma Linda.) My appointment was Monday, I met with both the urologist and radiation oncologist. Both agreed I was not a good candidate for surgery. Until my meeting with Dr. Pugh, the radiation oncologist, I had not considered proton treatment (based on some negative comments I'd heard about proton treatment for prostate cancer). However, I came away with a different perspective. 

I'm now considering moving ahead. Before I do that, I would highly value feedback from others who have either received proton treatment there (particularly) or elsewhere - or know others who have done so. I was highly impressed with the treatment at LLMC - and with the staff. Yet, I know the costs involved in making the decision to go to MD Anderson. So thanks for any feedback.

 

VascodaGama

Brotherhood of the Balloon

You may get the info you are looking for in this link dedicated to Proton treatment;
http://www.protonbob.com/proton-treatment-homepage.asp

My personal opinion about this treatment is that proton is better than other methods to deliver radiation. It manages to deliver the pick of radiation to the defined depth which requires to have definite targets. However, in prostate cancer therapy the results do not differ much from other methods.
The outcome also depends a lot on the patient status and on the isodose planning. Localized cases with a variety of targets may get better results with IMRT. In all, this is a treatment done by specialists with many years on the trade that one can trust. The best is always the one we trust and feel confident.

Best wishes for a good outcome from what ever treatment you chose.

VGama 

 

wwdlink

VascodaGama said:

Brotherhood of the Balloon

You may get the info you are looking for in this link dedicated to Proton treatment;
http://www.protonbob.com/proton-treatment-homepage.asp

My personal opinion about this treatment is that proton is better than other methods to deliver radiation. It manages to deliver the pick of radiation to the defined depth which requires to have definite targets. However, in prostate cancer therapy the results do not differ much from other methods.
The outcome also depends a lot on the patient status and on the isodose planning. Localized cases with a variety of targets may get better results with IMRT. In all, this is a treatment done by specialists with many years on the trade that one can trust. The best is always the one we trust and feel confident.

Best wishes for a good outcome from what ever treatment you chose.

VGama 

 

BOB

Thanks! I've bookmarked the page and will be spending time on his website. Your comments pretty much mirror my thoughts about the decision-making process related to treatment and treatment providers... choosing the one we trust and feel confident about. That has been part of the dilemma for me, and the MD Anderson doctor assured me that regardless of which radiation treatment I chose I wouldn't be making a mistake.

wwdlink

wwdlink

wwdlink said:

BOB

Thanks! I've bookmarked the page and will be spending time on his website. Your comments pretty much mirror my thoughts about the decision-making process related to treatment and treatment providers... choosing the one we trust and feel confident about. That has been part of the dilemma for me, and the MD Anderson doctor assured me that regardless of which radiation treatment I chose I wouldn't be making a mistake.

wwdlink

Treatment decision made

Thanks again for the referral to the Brotherhood of the Balloon - reading through the information and stories on the website I have decided to go ahead with proton treatment at MD Anderson. I'll be checking in here regularly because it is an excellent resource.

VascodaGama

Knocking down the bandit for good

I am glad to know about your decision. I hope proton knocks down the bandit for good.

Best wishes for a successful outcome.

VG 

mrspjd

wwdlink said:

Treatment decision made

Thanks again for the referral to the Brotherhood of the Balloon - reading through the information and stories on the website I have decided to go ahead with proton treatment at MD Anderson. I'll be checking in here regularly because it is an excellent resource.

Proton and IMRT in high risk PCa

ww,

Three years ago when investigating txs, my husband looked into proton tx at Loma Linda for his T3 stage locally advanced (ECE confirmed on EMRImaging) high volume (75%) PCa. He learned that LL used both proton AND IMRT in their RT protocol for high risk PCa patients with confirmed or suspected ECE--extra capsular extension: proton to the prostate; IMRT to the bed. Patients whose PCa "was contained" received proton to the prostate only. With your aggressive G9 dx, you might want to ask about this at MDA. 

wwdlink

mrspjd said:

Proton and IMRT in high risk PCa

ww,

Three years ago when investigating txs, my husband looked into proton tx at Loma Linda for his T3 stage locally advanced (ECE confirmed on EMRImaging) high volume (75%) PCa. He learned that LL used both proton AND IMRT in their RT protocol for high risk PCa patients with confirmed or suspected ECE--extra capsular extension: proton to the prostate; IMRT to the bed. Patients whose PCa "was contained" received proton to the prostate only. With your aggressive G9 dx, you might want to ask about this at MDA. 

Proton & IMRT suggestion

Thank you for your suggestion. Will forward it to my doctor at MD Anderson. Hope your husband is doing well.

wwdlink

VascodaGama said:

Knocking down the bandit for good

I am glad to know about your decision. I hope proton knocks down the bandit for good.

Best wishes for a successful outcome.

VG 

thanks

Thank you. This group is great, I respect the way everyone tries to help others with the 'bandit'

Dave54

wwdlink said:

thanks

Thank you. This group is great, I respect the way everyone tries to help others with the 'bandit'

Proton

WW

i completed my proton therapy @ HUPTI in Va in July 2013 for Gl6 T1c PC . After 42 treatments  no side effects as of this posting.

hopefully this finds you currently in treatment w Proton and feeling great. Best wishes and prayers for your successful treatment

dave 54