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Zoladex Question

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Posted 2/6/2009 5:22 PM (GMT -7)
I completed my IMRT on December 24th, and had a follow up visit with my Radiation Oncologist.  In the latter part of March I will go back to my Uro-Ocologist who prescribes my Zoladex.  I seem to only experience side effects related to the Zoladex. I have no desire for sex - not at all like me - and it is obvious that my testes have shrunk!  I REALLY want my testosterone back.  I ask my docs a lot of questions, but I'm just not getting what I feel to be a logical response to one about the Zoladex. 

My Understanding:  Zoladex used prior to radiation may slow the cancer growth and keep it from spreading while the radiation is working.  I suppose this is the same reason for continuing the Zoladex for at least a while after radiation (6 months?).  Zoladex does not destroy cancer, it simply slows it down or stops its growth - it shrinks it perhaps.

Question:  Why would my docs want me to be on Zoladex for a - preferably two years, but state they would be comfortable with one year when Zoladex does not  destroy cancer?  I mean, if my testosterone levels increase and my PSA goes up, that means there are cancer cells present.  At that time, I could go back on the Zoladex having a better understanding of where I stand.  Am I missing something regarding the action of Zoladex and how it affects prostate cancer cells?  If I were told that Zoladex actually killed cancer, then I would certainly want to continue taking it. 

Thanks in advance

Tony2

 

Posted 2/6/2009 5:48 PM (GMT -7)
Hey Tony try google search on: Bolla Study prostate cancer or such (explains why ADT + radiation is a good protocol) compared to just radiation alone.

Try google on Dr. Leibowitz for ADT3 hormone therapies (interesting reading to say the least)

Go to www.hypertext.org and read about hormone therapies and all PCa related information (choose to read it in english, options include spanish and another language)
Posted 2/6/2009 7:33 PM (GMT -7)

Tony:  Zoladex shrinks the cancerous tumor and allows the radiation to have a better chance to finish it off.  I'm not sure who told you that Zoladex doesn't kill cancer cells but I don't believe they are correct.  If you pick up Dr. Meyers Book you'll find chapters explaining how it reduces and kills cancer cells.  I know there are some Drs. out there who don't agree with that statement but I'll believe what Dr. Meyers says. 

David

Posted 2/7/2009 2:38 PM (GMT -7)
As it is a good idea to learn more on the subject of hormone therapy, and the previously suggested book by Dr Myers, "Beating Prostate Cancer: Hormonal Therapy & Diet"  is one of the few good publications on the subject. The only other worthwhile book I'm aware of on this specific topic is "Prostate Cancer Prevention and Cure" by Lee Nelson MD.

Both of these authors have used hormone treatment for thier own prostate cancer some years ago, and have done considerable research into the subject.  Dr Myers has a number of other publications also available.

When hormone therapy is either necessary or prudent, it is often done on an intermettent basis for various reasons. There's some debate about whether intermettent therapy is more effective or less effective, and like many things relating to PC it  comes down to  personal choice.

Posted 2/8/2009 8:16 AM (GMT -7)
I did Zoladex at two, three month intervals during radiation. My doc said that even though HT is not generally thought to be curative, it helps the radiation --- and he has seen a few long-term permanent responses to HT. My understanding it kills cellls that are real dependant on testosterone -- but some cancer cells can learn to surivive without it. If you only have testosterone dependant cells floating around, I guess that's where you get the durable responses.

Incidentially, you DO get your MOJO back after the treatment--- took me about 9 months after my last shot to start having normal libido. Been back ever since!

Good luck!
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