The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

SRT or other Options

bestbob
bestbob CSN Member Posts: 21 Member
in Prostate Cancer #1

Hello Everyone.

First off, sad to read this site is closing, the info/support has been very valuable and it will be missed. Now, on to my current status.

I had a gleason score of 3+4 sept 2024, prostrate removed Oct. Negative margins, but cancer cells most likely spread outside of prostrate per the pathology report. Subsequent psa levels have risin to now (april 2026) 0.13. Which has doubled from 6 months prior. My Dr. has recommended to consult with a radiology oncologist for next steps. Which most likely will be another PSA in 3 months, then a PET scan pending results, and if higher and approaching 0.2, they will most likely recommend SRT.

My question is, I would like to hear from anyone that has had SRT (outcome, reoccurance, side effects, etc.), or if any other options were taken?

All input is appreciated.

TIA, Bob

Like Care

Comments

  • Josephg
    Josephg CSN Member Posts: 586 Member
    #2

    If your Doctor is recommending the possibility of SBRT radiation salvage treatment, it appears that he/she believes that the residual PCa cells are located in a specific area(s) and can be identified through a PET scan. SBRT radiation is high dosage radiation delivered to a very specific location, and generally requires 3 to 5 sessions.

    I had SBRT radiation on my left pelvic bone 3+ years ago for an identified PCa lesion from a PET scan, and so far, I am still in remission. The procedure was painless, with each session lasting about 5 minutes or less (the actual delivery of radiation lasted for about 5+ seconds). I had 30 Grays of total radiation delivered in 3 sessions of 10 Grays each. I had absolutely no side effects from this radiation, either shortly after the treatment or over the past 3+ years.

    It is interesting that your Doctor is leaning toward SBRT radiation versus IMRT radiation. For salvage radiation after a failed prostatectomy, it is generally first delivered as IMRT radiation, which is low dosage radiation targeted over the entire prostate bed, and generally requires 30 to 40 sessions. This is because there may be no specifically identified lesions at the time, as they are too small for the PET scan to identify. There are definitely side effects from IMRT radiation, both during the time of the delivery sessions, and often for years after.

    I wish you the best of outcomes on your PCa journey.

    Like Care

Discussion Boards