Psa test freq following RT

rhobo23

I just finished post-RP salvage RT in January. My first PSA was about 3 weeks ago at 0.13 vs. 0.20 when RT was started. Post RP pathology rated me at a 3+4 Gleason with a few mm of positive margin and some perineural invasion. They have me scheduled for next psa in 6 months on basis that post RT the PSA should move real slow. I did have a body scan prior to RP that came out negative except for prostate. Should I press for next PSA sooner? (I am 73yo). Thx in advance for opinions…

Clevelandguy

Hi,

Sounds like you had follow up RT after your Prostate was removed? Was that done as a precaution, did they find more cancer on another scan after your Prostate was removed? I would go with the six month PSA as it will take the radiation some time to kill the cancer(if there was any) and stabilize to some number. I would think the six month period will start a series of PSA tests looking for a stabilized number thus indicating your cancer has not spread.

Dave 3+4

Old Salt

I don't know what the 'official' recommendation is for a case such as yours. In accord with Clevelandguy, I think that a six-month waiting time is reasonable. But it won't hurt to get a data point at 3 months. Together with the six-month data point, you might be able to see a trend.

I do hope that in due time the data will show a further downward trend from 0.13.

rhobo23

thanks guys for the input. I agree that 3 months may not be needed, but might alleviate concern if psa continues to drop or alternatively flag an issue if it rises so they could jump on it sooner.

rhobo23

Initial pre-RP scan was a CT scan with radio isotope of TC, not a psma pet scan. I understand Medicare covers up to 2 psma pet scans after primary treatment. Will press for that if psa climbs.