Zoladex intermittency

User

Posted 08 Feb 2021 at 09:59

Hi all,

After Brachytherapy on my local advanced (3b) around 4 few years ago and finally coming of Zoladex about a year ago I now have a recurrence, still local (just). So they put me back on the dreaded Zoladex: 6 month on 6 months off. They didn't really tell me why the intermittency. I can't see that's its to relieve me of the side effects. I am used to those horrors. Any views please.

Cheers,

Otto

User

Posted 08 Feb 2021 at 16:28

It is unusual but the theory is that if the HT is used intermittently, it delays the point at which the Zoladex stops working and you become hormone independent. Sometimes, the onco suggests IHT for exactly the reason you have suggested, to reduce the impact of side effects - if you don't have a strong view on this, you should talk to the onco again at your next review but the alternative will be permanent HT.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 09 Feb 2021 at 23:18

I haven't heard of IHT based on 6 months on, 6 months off.

It's usually based on PSA levels, e.g. some level depending on onco and patient (such as PSA 10) triggers going on, and when it gets down to a low stable level for 6-12 months, you can come off. Most people on IHT spend longer off than on. Some mens' PSA rises too fast when they come off to be able to use IHT.

User

Posted 10 Feb 2021 at 07:57

News to me too.

Been told by oncologist that even though zoladex is not as good now, I will still receive it every 3 months. No mention of intermittent treatment.

Sandy

User

Posted 07 Oct 2021 at 12:35

Hi,

Thanks for all the advice. Today is the day I have my "big" telephone call after 6 months without Zoladex. I was 3b when I had my op and now it has come back I guess I am back to 3b. I am pretty scared that its will jump out to 4. Anybody got any advice about asking for another scan? Eg at what PSA level should I ask: 2, 4, 8, 16 ....?

Hi to all,

Otto

User

Posted 07 Oct 2021 at 16:30

Tony was on HT from 2006 to 2009 and then was on it intermittently according to his psa results until 2017 and then on it permanantly, have never heard of 6 months on and 6 months off though.

good luck

barbara

User

Posted 08 Oct 2021 at 08:41

Hi,

So now the nurse PSA has shot up to 3.2 from 0.08 and I the consultant is to "have a serious talk". Probably another scan and back to Zoladex. Not a happy bunny. More soon ....

Cheers to all

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