Prostate Cancer

Anal Stimulation after Brachytherapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 6 months post radioactive seed implantation, and doing very well. Is there any increased risk from anal stimulation/dildo play because of the procedure? Neha Vapiwala , MD, Senior Editor of OncoLink and Chief...
Availability of the Free PSA Ratio Test Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I recently read an article that states that the free PSA blood test is currently under study. What is the time frame for having this free PSA available to the physicians? What progress are they making?...
Benefits of Robotic Prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have been diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer. I am 68 years old and have just these past 3 weeks experienced urinary retention to the point that I am now catheterized and awaiting further testing. I have a very...
Biochemical Failure Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What does biochemical failure mean? Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, responds:Biochemical failure is the return of a...
Biochemical failure after treatment of prostate cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," A close friend of ours has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had brachytherapy about 6 years ago. His PSA levels have been normal between that time and present, but a recent PSA test showed the level...
Bowel Issues After Proton Therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I completed proton therapy for prostate cancer 3 months ago. Starting four weeks after I began therapy, I continue to experience bowel issues of urgency, frequency, mucus and occasional cramping. Is this likely caused...
Brachytherapy After External Beam Treatment for Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I would like to know whether there are patients in America who have had brachytherapy for prostate cancer after external radiation treatment. What are the statistics on this? My husband would be the...
Brachytherapy After TURP Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was told seed implants were not an option after TURP. Is this true?Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, responds: When...
Brachytherapy and Size of the Prostate Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Does the size of the prostate (e.g. greater than 90cc) automatically preclude brachytherapy? Neha Vapiwala , MD, Senior Editor of OncoLink and Chief Resident in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Hospital of...
Burning and Blood with Ejaculation after Seed Implants Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband is 79 years old and had radiation seed implants three years ago for prostate cancer. His PSA's since then have been 0.9 or less. He continues to have blood in his semen and burning with ejaculation. Is this...
Burning and increased PSA after radical prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My father had radical surgery done for his prostate cancer. Post the surgery, his PSA levels again went up albeit, to 8. Since then however, my father is having a burning sensation when he urinates. Is this normal?...
Can bone scans differentiate between metastatic disease and pelvic fractures? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can a bone scan differentiate between changes due to an accident vs. cancer? A urologist scheduled the bone scan for my father who had a pelvic fracture in an accident after treatment for prostate cancer. Alan...
Can I get radiation to my spinal metastases while receiving docetaxel? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can I get radiation to my spinal metastases while receiving docetaxel? Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:You should discuss this directly with your radiation oncologist as it depends...
Can prostate tumors spread from the biopsy? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Does puncturing a prostate tumor for biopsy cause the cancer to leak out of the tumor to other parts of the body? Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of...
Can the Calypso® System Be Used After Prostatectomy? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a prostatectomy and now have a recurrence. My doctor plans to treat with radiation therapy. I have read about the Calypso system, is this an option for me? Neha Vapiwala , MD, Senior Editor of OncoLink and...
Can XRT cause a “bump” in PSA? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband has had prostate cancer for 11 years, and it recently metastasized to 2 vertebrae and one spot on his hip bone. He is almost finished with radiation and his pain is gone. His PSA level has jumped from 28...
Cancer Free if PSA is 0? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a radical prostatectomy approximately 12 years ago. My PSA level increased from 5.5 to 7.5 ng/mL over 3 months. My doctor stated that this means that I have metastatic cancer and he started hormone therapy with...
Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have prostate cancer that has progressed on hormone therapy. My doctor wishes to start chemotherapy. I know many men with prostate cancer and I have never heard of them receiving chemotherapy. What can you tell me...
Choosing a Proton Center Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," With a prostate cancer, Gleason score 7, I have chosen treatment with proton therapy. The question I have for you is: Loma Linda has the most experience, but they are not available for several months. MD Anderson and...
Clodronate to Prevent Bone Metastases in Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Are there any studies where clodronate has been used to prevent bone metastases in patients with advanced prostate cancer? In the situation to which I am referring, a radical prostatectomy has been...
Comparing Radical Prostatectomy with Brachytherapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have a T1C tumor, discovered during a biopsy. Malignancy is found only in the left lobe, where 30% of tissue sampled is malignant. Gleason score is 7. I am 59...
Cystitis after radiation to the prostate Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I'm troubled with cystitis resulting from radiation for prostate cancer treatment 10 years ago. I've been passing clots and blood for a month. What treatment is available for this situation? ...
Day to day variation in the measurement of PSA Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a radical prostatectomy in 1999 when I was 39 years old. I never had any symptoms. A digital rectal exam prompted the PSA. Prior to surgery, my PSA was 33, 100% of biopsy samples were positive with capsular...
Depression and Hormone Therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have suffered from depression all [of] my life and take several different medications and see a psychiatrist. Since starting Lupron therapy, I have been much more depressed. My psychiatrist has changed my...
Does androgen ablation therapy accelerate bone loss? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My father has been treated for prostate cancer for the past seven years with Lupron. He recently suffered a fractured vertebra. He has severe osteoporosis. He was prescribed Fosamax but now wonders what good...
Drastic Drop in PSA Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," In February of 2007, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, PSA 4.2; 2 out of 10 cores positive for cancer, 10% involvement in each core, Gleason score 7 (4+3). I underwent IMRT to 77.4 Gy with 4 months of Lupron. My...
D’Amico Risk Categories Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can you describe the D'Amico risk categories and how they relate to prognosis ? Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, responds: Dr....
Early Detection and Screening for Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I lost my husband in February of 1997 to prostate cancer. In April of 1995, he went to his doctor complaining of increased frequency of urination. The doctor did a PSA test and a digital rectal examination....
Elevated PSA with negative biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have a friend who has repeatedly elevated PSA levels. He also has cirrhosis and is a hepatitis B carrier. His urologist has biopsied his prostate gland annually X 3 or 4 years with tissue reports...
Field Plan for Radiation Therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am undergoing 3dcrt for psa recurrence post prostatectomy. At the start of my treatment, I attended a presentation by a radiation oncologist who used 3dcrt with four dosage planes in the first part of the radiation...
Follow up after brachytherapy (interstitial radiation therapy) for prostate cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My father has undergone brachytherapy (interstitial radiation therapy) in combination with Lupron 5 months ago. We can find no information about the proper screening program to monitor for tumor recurrence. ...
Getting a Second Opinion for a Prostate Nodule Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My internist discovered a lump on my prostate during a digital rectal exam (D.R.E.) my PSA is 1.11. I was referred to a urologist. The urologist repeated the D.R.E. and stated that the lump is there but it is nothing...
Gleason Score Where can I find the explanation of the Gleason score for rating prostate cancer? J.K. Neha Vapiwala MD, Senior Editor for Oncolink, responds: Dear J.K. Thank you for your interest and question. The Gleason score...
Gleason score discrepancies Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am writing to you from Italy. A member of my family, a 62-year-old man, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The biopsy showed Gleason score 1 + 2 and he was told to have radiation, due to his age. We consulted other...
Goserelin My brother (nearly 58 years old) has prostate cancer, stage T1. Due to a recent arterial operation, surgery is not a great option for him. Radiation therapy is the doctor's recommendation. We would like to be informed further about this in the...
Goserelin Before Radiation Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am on Goserelin (Zoladex) for 3 months and one renewal before radiation. Please advise what is the optimal time of Goserelin before radiation? S. Li Liu, MD, OncoLink Editorial...
Gynecomastia with Anti-androgens Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband underwent 40 treatments of IMRT ending in December for locally advanced prostate cancer. He is seeing the radiation oncologist for very painful gynecomastia in the hopes of stopping that. Can you tell me...
Hematospermia Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," This morning my wife and I had sex and I found blood in my sperm. I am 65 and in good health. Is this something that I should be concerned about? Alan J. Wein, MD, Professor and chair of the...
Hematuria after Radiation for Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Where would we find information about urinary bleeding following radiation? therapy for prostate cancer? Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the...
High Frequency Ultrasound (HIFU) Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have recently heard about HIFU treatments for prostate cancer. What can you tell me about this? Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of...
High PSA Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husbands PSA is 50. A DRE indicated an enlarged and hardened prostate with nodules. A biopsy is scheduled. What are the implications of a PSA of 50? Can I assume from this score that he has cancer and that the...
High PSA with negative staging results Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My father has recently been diagnosed with PC, which includes an alarming PSA result of 168 ng/ml. Gleason score of 3+3 = 6. He was also given the "all clear" with respects to tests performed on his chest, abdomen,...
How can I find out about clinical trials for my prostate cancer that is not responding to hormones anymore? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," How can I find out about clinical trials for my prostate cancer that is not responding to hormones anymore?Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:There are many clinical trials being...
How High Can the PSA Go? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," How high can the PSA go? Is it a reflection of how much tumor is present? Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, responds:It is...
How is docetaxel given and what are the side effects? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," How is docetaxel given and what are the side effects?Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds: Docetaxel is a type of chemotherapy called a taxane, which is given intravenously (into a...
How is Mitoxantrone used for prostate cancer treatment? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," How is Mitoxantrone used for prostate cancer treatment?Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:Mitoxantrone is a type of chemotherapy that is given through an IV (intravenous), typically...
Implant Radiation for Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," What is Implant radiation (Brachytherapy) for prostate cancer? Maggie Hampshire, RN, BSN, OCN with Ken Blank, MD With Special Commentary from Dr. Richard Whittington, MD, Associate...
Impotence Post Radical Prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Three years ago my husband had a radical prostatectomy, followed by radiation therapy. The good news is that no cancer has returned, the bad news is that he is still impotent. We tried Viagra & couple...
Impotence Rate After Prostate Brachytherapy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My concern is impotence rate 3-5 years post brachytherapy. It seems that this very serious quality of life issue is not discussed. Are there statistics available that are reliable? Looking forward...
Incontinence after prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I'm 63 years old male, in good health I had radical prostatectomy in September 2000. I had a normal recovery except that, to date, I've not recovered normal bladder control (at best still use 2 to 3 pads a...
Incontinence after radical prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband had a radical prostatectomy 3 weeks ago. He has been totally incontinent since his catheter was removed five days ago, and he is extremely depressed. His primary concern is that he NEVER has the "urge" to...
Incontinence After Surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a radical prostatectomy about a year ago. The cancer seems to be gone with a serum PSA of zero. I remain incontinent and seem to have control only when I am relaxing, sitting, or not involved in any activity...
Increase in PSA after Hormone Therapy is Stopped Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I finished external radiation in June 2005 and 2 years of hormone therapy about 9 months ago. In July, my PSA went from <.1 ng/mL to .1 ng/mL. They said this could be PSA bounce. Should I be concerned? Richard...
Infections after Urostomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband had his bladder and prostate removed in April 2005. Both the bladder and prostate contained primary cancers. He now has a urostomy and is managing well, but he keeps getting urinary infections. I am...
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) vs. 3D conformal Radiation for prostate cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have stage B1 prostate cancer (PSA 7.1, Gleason 6). I am trying to decide whether to undergo IMRT at the considerable inconvenience of traveling to a distant location or to have the standard 3D conformal...
Interpreting the TURP Results Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," After receiving a TURP procedure, I was told that a T1B, 3+3 tumor was found in 19 out of the 99 slices of prostate tissue removed. The tumor's presence was not reflected in an elevated PSA score or a digital exam....
Is Prostate Cancer Hereditary? Is prostate cancer hereditary? Thank you. T Li Liu, MD, OncoLink editorial assistant, responds: Dear T: Thank you for your interest and question. Familial patterns ("aggregations") of some cancers are not...
Is there a link between hormonal therapy for prostate cancer and bone fractures? My father-in-law was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The doctor recommended hormonal therapy. He is very concerned of potential bone fracture as the side effect of hormonal therapy. Can you help him with this? Thanks. P ...
Is there a link between vasectomy and the diagnosis of prostate cancer? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Does the medical community feel that there is a link between vasectomy patients and prostate cancer? We are trying to make an educated decision about sterilization. Alan J. Wein, MD, Professor...
Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My husband has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. His PSA count is only 3.7 and his Gleason count is 3+3(=6). It has not spread at all so they said he it is very early and he is "curable". A local...
Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband was recently diagnosed with mucinous adenocarcinoma or colloid cancer of the prostate. He was told that the type he has is rare and more aggressive. How rare is it? How much more difficult is it to treat...
No Surgery if Positive Lymph Nodes? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Why is a prostate cancer surgery stopped if the cancer is found in the lymph nodes? Why can't the lymph nodes be removed along with the prostate?Alan J. Wein, MD, Professor and Chair of the Division of Urology at the...
Penile implant Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a radical prostatectomy and orchiectomy four and one half years ago. I have tried every thing on the market for erectile dysfunction and it has not worked. We have talked to my oncologist about an...
Peroneal Nerve Graft for Erectile Dysfunction Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," A fellow told me that when he had surgery at Sloan Kettering in NYC, they were prepared to graft nerve tissue from his heel if there was damage to nerves that would affect sexual function. That did not come to pass...
Positive Margins and Robotic Prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was so sure the DaVinci prostatectomy was the way to go, but after reading more online, some doctors say that the prostate can be burnt or the capsule broken...
Post Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am one of thousands of prostate cancer patients who have undergone treatment. An ultrasound biopsy detected a prostate cancer with involvement in both lobes. After consulting with several MD's, I decided...
Post-Radiation Therapy Treatment Options for Patients with Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I have a question concerning radiation (external beam or seeds). If a man gets radiation for prostate cancer, can he have surgery after if the cancer comes back? If not, why? Li Liu, MD,...
Precautions for Seed Implants Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My father-in-law has just gone through "seeding" for prostate cancer. Yesterday when he had this done, the doctor told him not to be around children for 30 days due to the radiation. Can you explain to me...
Preventing Radiation Proctitis Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early stage. In my research to choose a procedure I have encountered a few patients who, after seed implantation (about a year), experienced proctitis. The cases have...
Prognosis After Prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Even though he is 61 years old and has had extensive blood work done twice a year, my husband never had a PSA drawn until two months ago. His PSA was elevated, and he was found to have prostate cancer. He...
Prognosis at a young age for prostate cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My son is 41 yrs. old and has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Does his finding prostate cancer so young necessarily mean it's a bad sign for his future? Alan J. Wein, MD, Professor and Chair of the Division...
Prostate Biopsy Spreads Cancer Cells? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," A February 20, 2008 breaking news release entitled "Prostate Biopsy Spreads Prostate Cancer Cells" appeared in the Prostate/Prostate Cancer section on Medical News Today's web site. Is this news likely to...
Prostate cancer and flaxseed Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is there harm to adding flaxseed, linseed oil or any other phytoestrogen to the diet for the man with prostate cancer in watchful waiting? Katrina Claghorn, MS, RD, registered...
Prostate Cancer Screening Programs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Hi Dr. Wein, please let me know what is your perception of an ideal prostate-screening program, what barriers are usually encountered while providing cancer screening? Alan J. Wein, MD,...
Prostate Cancer Screening Recommendations Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Since free PSA tests are usually used in patients with total PSA values >4.0, what is the significance of a total value of <4.0 (2.8 in my case) with a free PSA of 15%? What type of screening would...
Prostate Cancer Treated With External Beam Radiotherapy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am requesting information on prostate cancer. I had surgery in March of 1993. The doctor was unable to get to the gland to remove it. He took out the lymph nodes and they were negative. I had 39 radiation...
Prostate Seed implant side effects Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband, age 64,was diagnosed with prostate cancer in mid November. He decided to have the seed implant. Both his radiation oncologist and urologist said the procedure went extremely well but his side...
ProstRcisionTreatment for Prostate Cancer I've heard a new treatment called prostRcision for prostate cancer that is being advertised by some radiation oncologists. Can you give me some inside view on this? Any information would be helpful. Thanks! Li Liu,...
Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am seriously considering Proton Therapy for my recently diagnosed Prostate cancer. I am 55 years old, my Gleason Score is 6 (3+3), and my PSA is 4.5. The information I have been reading everywhere is very vague...
Proton Therapy vs. Conventional Radiotherapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I would like your opinion regarding the risk/benefit of proton beam radiotherapy vs. conventional radiotherapy in a patient with a low-risk cancer status-post radical prostatectomy who now has rising PSA...
Proton therapy vs. external beam radiation for prostate cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am presently on hormonal therapy to shrink an enlarged prostate gland. Treatment plan is to follow with external beam radiation. I also have approval for treatment at the Loma Linda proton treatment center. Does...
PSA After Prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Would you please address the issue of rising PSA levels further? My father had a radical prostatectomy, but his PSA level never registered 0. He had radiation therapy about a year ago, and once again his PSA...
PSA After Prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a radical prostatectomy in September 2006. Why would I have anything but a 0.0 PSA at this time? It's very low (PSA=0.08) but I'm not clear as to why ANY exists without a prostate. David I. Lee, MD, Chief of...
PSA Bounce Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can you please describe what a PSA bounce is? Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, responds: The “PSA bounce” has been...
PSA Doubling Time Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can you please explain PSA doubling time? Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, responds:This is actually a fairly difficult...
PSA Level after Radiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," In June 2003, I finished receiving IMRT for prostate cancer. My PSA readings since then fluctuate between 0.5-2.0, but go up and down, not a consistent rise in the level. My pretreatment PSA was 3.1. I assume from the...
PSA Level for Radiation Therapy after Surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a prostatectomy in December 2005 for prostate cancer. In August 2007, my PSA rose to .051 ng/mL, following a continuing increase from .01 ng/mL following surgery. I am seeking radiation therapy at a local...
PSA Status after Radical Prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I had a radical prostatectomy 4 years ago for and early stage prostate cancer. I am concerned that my PSA is slowly rising. What should be my next steps? Am I able to have more treatment if necessary? ...
PSA Testing in Older Men My PSA test results have been 0.3-0.4ng/ml since testing started at age 55. Until age 70 PSA tests were every 5 years. Starting with age 70 my physician has done PSA tests every year with the same results. I am 75 andf when I ask why the increased...
Radiation proctitis Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My treatment for Prostate Cancer consisted of 5 weeks of External Beam Radiation and then radioactive seed implants, which at this point appears to have been successful. The problem I'm having is with rectal...
Radiation Seed Side Effects Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Approximately 2 months ago, my male relative of 66 years of age got radiation seeds implanted in his prostate after a diagnosis of early stage prostate cancer. Since then, he has experienced terrible side effects: 1)...
Radiation Versus Surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 59 years old, and just diagnosed with prostate cancer (T1c, Gleason 6). The surgeon recommended a prostatectomy, partly because he says that with radiation treatment, a second cancer may occur in 15-25 years,...
Radical Prostatectomy vs Brachytherapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My brother was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, Gleason score 3+4=7. He is 60 years old and otherwise healthy and works in an occupation doing physical work. His foremost concern is making a treatment...
Recovery After Robotic Prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband is scheduled for robotic prostatectomy soon. How soon afterwards can we expect him to have his strength back? When will he be able to fly, drive or walk a long distance, climb steps, carry groceries, or...
Rectal Bleeding After Radiation for Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had seed implants for prostate cancer 2 years ago. I have had rectal bleeding ever since. Sometimes it is with a bowel movement and sometimes I'll feel it running down my legs. It is bright red and it's enough to...
Rectal stenosis after radiation to the prostate Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," In 1993, I received radiation treatment for prostate cancer. In the last year, I have been having a problem with rectal stenosis. My oncologist gave me a dilator. I tried to use the dilator but it would not go in....
Reducing Prostate Cancer Risk Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 67. I am currently 40 years old. What types of things should I be doing to reduce my risk of prostate cancer?Neha Vapiwala , MD, Senior Editor of OncoLink...
Reliability of the Prostate Acid Phosphatase (PAP) Test Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Reliability of the Prostate Acid Phosphatase (PAP) Test My question is related to an elevated prostate acid phosphatase (PAP) of 22 ng/ml (normal = 0 - 5), and whether metastatic disease is a serious...
Retreatment for recurrent prostate cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," A 62 year old friend of mine had a prostatectomy (age 57) for a grade 6 Gleason tumor 5 years ago. His PSA has increased from undetectable (<0.1ug/ml) to 0.2ug in the past year. His surgical specimen 5 years ago...
Rising PSA and the Effect of Radiation Therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I have a question about the following situation. My grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Aug. 95, and the PSA level was 71.8. At that time, the doctors surgically removed his testicles, and he...
Rising PSA Level Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My concern is with a good friend whose PSA has gone from 7 to 50 in the last five years. He has had numerous biopsies, a total of 50 core samples taken over the years. All have been negative. He has been...
Rising PSA Post-prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My father is 65 and had a radical prostatectomy 2 years ago. His PSA is now up to 0.5. All of my research indicates he still has cancer and should undergo radiation. His urologist advised him to come back...
Robotic Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband is 53-years-old and was diagnosed last week with T1c prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 6. Also, I would like to know your opinion of this procedure versus the open surgery. Thank you very much. Alan...
Safety issues to your spouse after brachytherapy for prostate cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I've had brachytherapy 2 weeks ago with I 125. My wife is a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor for 10 yrs. She is extremely concerned that I will trigger her lymphoma. My reassurances that the seeds only radiate a...
Satraplatin for Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband has enrolled in a clinical trial for a drug called satraplatin. What can you tell me about it? Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:Satraplatin is a member of the platinum...
Scrotal Swelling after Radiation or Surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband underwent 40 treatments of IMRT ending in December for locally advanced prostate cancer. He also had a hernia repair done in February. Since last week he has had swelling of his right testicle and pain...
Shielding from radiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Why doesn't conformal radiation therapy for prostate cancer include coverage of the rest of the body with a protective lead shield to protect from x-ray exposure? You get zapped at the dentist's office and wear a...
Side Effects of Brachytherapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I would like to know the side effects of brachytherapy for prostate cancer, particularly long term. Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of...
Significance of rise in PSA without a prostate cancer diagnosis Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 53. My PSA has been in the mid 2's for several years. Last test jumped from a 2.3 to 7.1. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is normal. My question is: In prostate cancer, is it typical that a PSA would rise...
Support Groups and Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My dad has prostate cancer. It is contained and his PSA is 15.9 - he has been offered two choices - radiation or surgery. We think we will go for surgery but would like to hear from other people who have...
Surgery After Radiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have heard that if I choose radiation therapy for prostate cancer treatment that I could not have surgery later if the cancer recurs. Why not? Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at...
Surgery for Cancer and Prostatitis? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a 69 year-old male in reasonably good health. I have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, stage 1c. I have been looking at either radiation treatment or surgery. My urologist is suggesting surgery only...
Surgical experience for radical prostatectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am considering nerve-sparing radical prostatecomy and radiation therapy. For the prostatecomy, I have found it difficult to find any "guidelines" to suggest what minimum number of prostatecomies annually and years...
Survival Rates Of Prostate Cancer When Treated With And Without External Beam Radiation And Seeds Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My father was just diagnosed with prostate cancer and the impression is it's still in the early stage but aggressive. Radical prostatectomy is not recommended due to his past medical history. My father...
Taking Time for Treatment Decisions Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, Gleason score of 6, PSA level of 6.4. How much time can I take to consider treatment options? Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the...
Temporary seed implants versus permanent seed implants for prostate cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Do you know of any stats that show the relative effectiveness of high dose radiation (HDR) temporary seed implants versus the more traditional permanent seed implants? Is there any advantage that you know of in the...
Testosterone after Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 18 months ago and had radiation treatment. My PSA has dropped, and all seems to be going well. But my libido, erectile function, and general energy level are not what I'd...
The effect of ejaculation on serum PSA Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," The oncologist said that you should not have sex within 72 hours before a PSA test, as this would spike the results. Can you please explain how this occurs? And also how sex affects PSA in general. How could it...
The Value of PSA Screening Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," In the "Ask the Experts" article entitled Prognosis After Prostatectomy, a woman asked whether her family physician had erred by not routinely screening her husband for the past 10 years with a PSA. The...
Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Is it wiser to begin three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy with my current PSA of 1.2 or continue to check the PSA regularly to determine if it will rise to 2.0 and then begin radiotherapy? ...
Timing for Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My father is currently being treated for advanced prostate cancer with a 10.8 mg depot of zoladex every 12 weeks. Is it essential that the renewal be given precisely within the 12 weeks indicated, or is it sufficient...
Transperineal Biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is the best way to get an accurate prostate biopsy when you do not have a rectum due to surgery for colitis? Alan J. Wein, MD, Professor and chair of the Division of Urology at...
Transurethral Resection of Prostate or T.U.R.P. Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Please direct me to information on the procedure called T.U.R.P. As I understand it, this procedure removes part of the prostate. I would like to know more about it? How is the procedure done? Is it possible...
Treatment for Stage IV Prostate cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. Is it better to start total androgen ablation right away or first just leuitinizing hormone? David J Vaughn, MD, Medical Director of the Abramson Family Cancer...
Treatment of Young Prostate Cancer Patients Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Although there are comments and cases concerning younger (under 60) prostate cancer patients, there needs to be greater focus on these patients. As you well know, with PSA and free PSA tests, more and more...
TURP Specimens Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a TURP done and prostate cancer was found. What will I find on my path report? Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, responds:...
Ureteral Strictures after Radiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is it possible to develop a stricture of the ureter as a result of radiation damage [after prostate cancer treatment]? Richard Whittington, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of...
Urinary and Bowel Incontinence after Radiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My 80-year-old uncle had prostate cancer about 5 years ago. He was treated with external beam radiation therapy. The treatment was successful, and he is now cancer-free. His recent PSA test was in the normal range....
What is Cryotherapy? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:Cryotherapy is a procedure that uses freezing and thawing to kill cancer cells. This technique has been used to treat skin cancers for some time, but...
What is High Frequency Ultrasound (HIFU)? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is High Frequency Ultrasound (HIFU)?Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:This technique uses focused ultrasound to heat small segments of the prostate. Hyperthermia units with...
What is Prostascint®? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is Prostascint®?Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:Prostascint® is a radio-labeled monoclonal antibody, which is a type of medication that targets specific cells. In the...
When should chemo be started in an asymptomatic patient who has a rising PSA where hormones have failed? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," When should chemo be started in an asymptomatic patient who has a rising PSA where hormones have failed?David J Vaughn, MD, Medical Director of the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Associate Professor of...
When to Start Hormone Therapy? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have prostate cancer, had a radical prostatectomy in 1999, then 13 wks of radiation in 2004 with a serum PSA of 0.26 ng/mL. As of July 2007, my PSA is 3.3 ng/mL. I know that hormone therapy is my only treatment...
Who should I see about chemotherapy for my prostate cancer? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Who should I see about chemotherapy for my prostate cancer?Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:Chemotherapy is managed by a doctor called a medical oncologist. These doctors are trained...