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HDR Brachytherapy as monotherapy

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User
Posted 02 Jan 2023 at 18:18

Hi there,

I was hoping to put things off a bit longer but, rather reluctantly, think it's time I seriously considered treatment for my PC. I live in the UK and was diagnosed with G6 disease (3 positive cores in sample of 12 following biopsy) in early 2016, aged 49. Surgery was suggested to me due to age but I opted for active surveillance. In 2019 the G6 was upgraded to a G3+4 (3 cores...all on right side)- despite this I continued with AS. 

 

My PSA, at diagnosis was around 3.2 and for around the next 4 years or so remained fairly stable at about 3.5. During the last year it has slowly started trending upwards and has gone up to 4.8 (checked last month), so I naturally have become concerned. I had an MRI and biopsy a few months ago: 28cc gland, G7 (3+4) confirmed with slightly more involvement. 
For one reason or another, I have ruled out surgery - mainly due to likely effect on erectile function. I had myself referred to UCLH as I wanted the option of HIFU but am now, after much reading/ research, seriously considering HDR brachytherapy as a monotherapy. My question is, has anybody had this? Also intrigued as to why there is so little written about HDR-BT monotherapy in the UK despite very promising & proven results over a long period of time. Any HDR brachy usually has an adjunct of hormone and external radiation treatment. Would love to hear of people’s experience and thoughts. Cheers.

 

 

 

User
Posted 02 Jan 2023 at 20:01

The only post I have seen relating to this in the three years I have been on the forum.

https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t23156-HDR-Mono-Brachytherapy#post233988

No updates for two years. It has either worked and they are alive and have moved on, or they are dead. That is why I like seeing posts from people who are still here 16 years later, we don't often hear the success stories.

Dave

User
Posted 02 Jan 2023 at 21:51

Hi 

I can only give you my experience  with prostate cancer as i find it.I was picked up with PSA 2.19 and Gleason 3+4=7 in 2016 at the age of 70 so can not say my  LDR is the best route for you.

I decided to to go down the LDR route as i felt there where less side affects .

I am 6 years on and was signed off  in 2021 by the Specialist .

If you click on my Avatar you can see my journey so far but of course no Guarantees.

If i can help with any other information please ask.

Regards John.

User
Posted 03 Jan 2023 at 00:39
There have been a few members who have had HD Bracy over the years but they haven't posted much and are so few they they could not be judged as representative, even if you could locate their sparse posts. If you wish to get more stats on this form of treatment I think you will need to spend time researching it.. Before doing this I would get professional advice on whether this has any advantage in your individual case.
Barry
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User
Posted 02 Jan 2023 at 18:52
I think you will have more success finding information about LDR brachytherapy (aka permanent seed brachytherapy) which is more commonly used as a monotherapy and is probably more suited to low risk PCa like yours?
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 02 Jan 2023 at 19:31
Hello Millhouse,

if you have not seen my posts or read my bio already it may be worth taking a look. It will give you an idea of what is involved in LDR Brachytherapy which I received without any other treatments.

Rgds

Dave

User
Posted 02 Jan 2023 at 20:01

The only post I have seen relating to this in the three years I have been on the forum.

https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t23156-HDR-Mono-Brachytherapy#post233988

No updates for two years. It has either worked and they are alive and have moved on, or they are dead. That is why I like seeing posts from people who are still here 16 years later, we don't often hear the success stories.

Dave

User
Posted 02 Jan 2023 at 21:51

Hi 

I can only give you my experience  with prostate cancer as i find it.I was picked up with PSA 2.19 and Gleason 3+4=7 in 2016 at the age of 70 so can not say my  LDR is the best route for you.

I decided to to go down the LDR route as i felt there where less side affects .

I am 6 years on and was signed off  in 2021 by the Specialist .

If you click on my Avatar you can see my journey so far but of course no Guarantees.

If i can help with any other information please ask.

Regards John.

User
Posted 03 Jan 2023 at 00:39
There have been a few members who have had HD Bracy over the years but they haven't posted much and are so few they they could not be judged as representative, even if you could locate their sparse posts. If you wish to get more stats on this form of treatment I think you will need to spend time researching it.. Before doing this I would get professional advice on whether this has any advantage in your individual case.
Barry
 
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