How Radiation Affects The Prostate | Mark Scholz, MD

Medical Oncologist Mark Scholz, MD answers questions from our YouTube comments on radiation. Is radiation directed at the whole gland or just the tumor? What kind of PSA decline should you expect after radiation? Is radiation or surgery better for ductal carcinoma? And how does one find a quality radiation center?

0:09 Is radiation treatment directed at the entire prostate gland or just the tumor?

3:24 How does PSA decline after radiation with and without hormone therapy?

4:50 "I have a ductal carcinoma. Should I get surgery instead of combination therapy with radiation and hormone therapy?"

6:19 How do I find a quality radiation center and radiation oncologist?

Who we are:

The information on the Prostate Cancer Research Institute's YouTube channel is provided with the understanding that the Institute is not engaged in rendering medical advice or recommendation. The information provided in these videos should not replace consultations with qualified health care professionals to meet your individual medical needs.

[michaelclennan]

There is a huge difference between the recommendations for prostate treatments between a city of 200, 00 to 500, 000 in Texas and a medical center close to a place like UCLA. Men who learn of PCRI are blessed. And I am one of them. Many of my colleagues simply have the entire prostate removed asap. They know of no real options other than chemotherapy or old styled radiation. They have one meeting with a urologist (surgeon) and a decision is made. And the surgery is scheduled by the urologist.

[Dan-cnei]

I had 28 radiation treatments, originally they were going to do 40 but change their minds also has hormone treatments with it. That was 2 years ago and I'm doing good PSA below 1.

[robgerety]

Very helpful, especially the comment about not recommending surgical treatment basically under any circumstances.

[spud-from-Nam]

Hello and thank you for producing such high quality content in an easy to understand format. I am always cheered by the positivity in this channel . You are both very good.

[brucemcclelland]

I just completed 8 weeks of IMRT, my last PSA was 0.04, I’m on Lupron and fortunate enough to also be getting Xtandi, so I’m presuming I’m probably “cured”, yet I continue to watch this channel because of its clarity and positivity - it reinforces virtually all the medical choices and decisions that were made in my case, which is very reassuring. Anyway, my point is, I still watch your channel even though I no longer “need to”. Or maybe its to see the Dalmatian.

[grride]

Currently on #21 of 28 daily IMRT treatments. 69 yo, diagnosed BPH and Gleason 8 w/ Mets on left hip illium bone on 3/22. Treatment was Casodex one week before Lupron injection, Casodex discontinued after 6 weeks. Radiation effects have manifested with episodes of urinary urgency, slight to moderate burning sensation during urination, and fatigue. Effects of BPH still a periodic issue. Second Lupron injection scheduled for in July. Lupron recommended for 18-25 months administered every three months. Last PSA result on 11/21 was 7.12.
All this began with a complaint of waking 3-4 times nightly w/ need to urinate in 11/21. Referral to urologist and here I am. Plan is to wait at least two months after IMRT before checking PSA levels and going to UCSF for a PSMA PET scan to check for any remaining Mets.
This is definitely not a cake walk. I thank this channel for educating and helping me understand to available treatment processes. 👍🏽

[Kda]

I had my 15th of 45 Radiation treatment today for Prostate Cancer. I'm in N.E. Florida and could not be Happier with my decision to be treated at the Ackerman Cancer Center. Offices in Jacksonville & Fernandina Beach!

[daxmac]

As a viewer of PCRI with Alex & Dr S., watching many videos that helped me make Pca treatment choices, the "must see" PCRI one MINUTE starts at 05:01.

[darylmcfarley]

I opted not to do hormone therapy, being 66 years old the side effects of ADT were something I didn't want to experience. I am doing a combination of IMRT and Brachky Therapy praying for a positive result.

[mikemir]

Wish I knew this two years ago. However, this is great to learn now.

[williamgibson]

Ur so knowledgeable and calm i admire you, i just finished my radiation treatment

[RJMEL]

Had Hormone therapy and subsequent radiation therapy 3 months later ending 10/7/2019 after 28 days of radiation. Three months later, PSA was .01. Three years later (almost), it is now .03. I am assuming this has been a very successful treatment. I will 76 in November. My Urologist seems quite happy for me. I see him every six months with PSA test done each time. Sex life has been affected, but viewing the alternative, it hasn’t been a problem.

[scoot]

Thank you Both! Very nicely done! Highly educational! 🙏

[Lapohaus]

Info from support groups are very important too.

[joesimons]

In 2015 I had Proton Radiation for prostrate cancer. I have had no relapse.The down side is my libido went down 0. I am single and 74 so that isn't an issue for me but may be for a married man. I recomend the University of Washington cancer center for treatment.

[tomswoverland]

My Gleason 8 was in the lymph nodes 44 radiation treatments. Chemo and other stuff now in remission hoping to stay that way. Over 2 years being treated till remission it’s a long haul and still on other drugs don’t give up.

[glamup]

72 years old stage 4 prostate cancer with bine mets left femur tumour and lymph nodes and some spots in pelvis life expectancy with treatment?

[gtrgenie]

I had the 28 day pelvic radiation and 17 day Focal Boost to lesions. PSA 0.02 now.

[margaretgosling]

A question for you; if you are having radical surgery, what are the pros and cons for taking or leaving lymph nodes?

[MrVasmikey]

I had a Gleason 9 tumor and opted for Lupron and proton radiation. It’s been five years and my PSA is at .09. My Urologist said he has never seen a Gleason score that high survive that long. Guess I should feel lucky.