Delayed response to Zytiga?

Hello everyone,

I am on my fourth week of taking Zytiga. I met with my onc. today and I have had a doubling of PSA since I started. Is there any possibility of a delayed response to Zytiga, or is it just a bust at this point?

Thanks,

C.G.

Thanks Fairwind,

I am getting that sickening feeling in the pit of my gut telling me that my Onc. does not know when I should be getting a response from the Zytiga. I swear she acted like she was ready to stop the Zytiga and move on to something else already.

I am going to be looking for a new Onc. that specializes in PCa. I just have to trust my gut on this one. I know that the whole PCa game is one wild, sickening roller coaster ride, but this dip in the track was a little too much for my frayed nerves.

I pray that I get a positive response from the Zytiga. I can say that I feel really good right now even though my PSA is really high and climbing like it is strapped to a Saturn V rocket. I feel better than I did before I began the treatment, for what that is worth.

*BIG DEEP SIGH*

C.G.

10,

How long did it take you to get the 10 point drop?

You had a RALP I see from your signature. Where did you get that done and what Dr. ordered it, If I could be so bold? I have been asking about getting my prostate out, but when I talk about it....nobody wants to hear it.

Thank you,

C.G.

I think your Onc is right that it's not working. PSA may spike briefly, but by a month it should decline. "PSA levels after 1 month’s treatment were predictive of primary new hormonal agent resistance"

Potential value of rapid prostate-specific antigen decline in identifying primary resistance to abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide

In some cases, sensitivity has been restored after re-challenge with docetaxel.

- Allen

Mine went up for 6 weeks, then leveled for 1, then started down.

My onco had me doing weekly blood work.

Dear CADguy,

It's been so helpful to keep in touch over time. We've pursued some similar treatments and we've been able to keep up with each other's progress. This forum provides those valuable connections.

You asked about my experience with ZYTIGA and it's important for all of us to keep sharing our experiences with these newer breakthrough medications. As we know, each one of us responds in different ways to these newer prescriptions. It's important to read about the RANGE of experiences from all these treatments and medications. I had no idea what to expect this past summer when I started taking ZYTIGA. My oncologist was hoping for some sign of favorable response, so he had me come in for lab work after just 20 days of taking ZYTIGA.

After 20 days, my PSA was beginning to show signs of a decrease. That was very encouraging to me and my oncologist. He did state that in his experiences with ZYTIGA, signs of an early response can be indicative of a further favorable response.

I go in every four weeks for lab work, because my oncologist watches all the components of my lab work very carefully, as there can be side effects from ZYTIGA, which other members of our forum have experienced, even to the point of having to discontinue the medication. I'm very, very mindful of them and pray every day that another medication or treatment will be "just right" for them instead.

I just went in for lab work and another consultation with my oncologist a few days ago. The lab tests continue to show that the ZYTIGA seems to be working for me and has helped bring my PSA down, as the weeks have continued. I have heard that it can take some additional weeks for positive effects to be noticed, and you do have a response above in this thread from another "battle brother" who had this happen. Again, we are learning from each other that there can be a range of responses ...

This is where the expertise of our doctors is so crucial, making those DECISIONS about medications and when to make a change, if needed. In my case, at least, my oncologist wanted to try ZYTIGA instead of XTANDI ... we discussed it, and I put 100% of my trust and faith in him and we started on ZYTIGA ...

I'm VERY pleased to hear that you are pursuing an additional consultation in January. Sounds like you already had an appointment booked, and so you will be going to Mayo Clinic in just a few weeks from now. It can take a few months to get an appointment with the larger medical facilities around the country, so it's good to think ahead and book ahead. I have 100% trust for my local doctors, but after two years, just felt it was in my best interest to pursue that additional consultation with Dr. Kwon at Mayo Clinic, which you also have scheduled for January.

I have several friends of mine that I have known for years who, ironically, have my same diagnosis. They want to be proactive and realize that they are going to face some important treatment decisions in the future, so they have decided to be proactive and they are scheduling appointments with some larger medical facilities in this region NOW, rather than waiting, just to build that history and rapport for the future.

I created a thread back in October about all my experiences with Mayo Clinic and many other people contributed to that thread, so that might be helpful to you to look over from the archives of this forum from October 2015. As everyone added contributions to the thread, the main theme became that sometimes we have to travel to larger facilities across the nation, in the best interest of getting that "second opinion" and to take advantage of some cutting-edge diagnostic tests that are not always available at local hospitals.

My local doctors ENCOURAGED me to travel to Mayo Clinic for that second opinion, and I made the decision with their full blessing and encouragement. My friends and family have a common saying and that is this: "A GOOD doctor will ALWAYS encourage you to get a second opinion." So I am happy for you that you are seeking an additional viewpoint to add to your medical care.

Yes, you mentioned the PET-CHOLINE scan and that is available at Mayo Clinic for you. In my case, the technicians conducted an assessment of that scan for me, but then Dr. Kwon ALSO assessed it before he met with me to add his own viewpoint to that and the other diagnostic tests that were conducted. During my consultation, Dr. Kwon set up a conference call with my local doctors and formed a "medical team" right in front of my eyes from his office. In that moment, sitting there in his office, I knew I had made the right decision to travel to a larger medical facility to get an additional viewpoint added to my case. It was in that moment I realized I was then TRULY doing everything in my personal power to improve my health.

Meanwhile, I'm thankful to hear from you. Our paths have crossed so many times on this forum and we have shared many similar experiences and treatment paths. That's the value of this forum --- the connections that I have seen and experienced over time on this forum are valuable and meaningful beyond words.

We'll keep in touch, CADguy --- I will do anything I can to support you, going forward.

Sent with my best from your fellow "battle brother" ---
Iowa State "Cyclone"