Can growth factors manage prostate cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a CA prostate, now metastatic. Receiving Leuproide 22.5 mg. Received four cycles of Docetaxel. Received five cycles of Lu-177 therapy; last therapy done. After that, blood counts and platelets have been decreasing. Five blood transfusions were done.

Romy 250 injection is being given twice weekly for platelets. Bone marrow and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan tests were done. The doctor advised consulting a urologist to start Olaparib; the urologist suggested consulting an oncologist. I am experiencing excessive weakness. Please suggest.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

First of all, I want to reassure you, especially regarding your current stable stage of prostate cancer, and I hope you do not feel afraid. You need to know that there are immunomodulatory treatments available, and every day, new therapies are emerging for prostate cancer.

After reviewing your medical reports (attachment removed to protect patient's identity), and the treatments you have already received, I strongly recommend starting Olaparib as targeted therapy. You have already undergone chemotherapy and androgen deprivation therapy, and we are now at a stage where initiating Olaparib would be appropriate.

This treatment is expected to be very effective, helping to reduce metastasis and limit disease spread. Regarding bone metastases, I also recommend monthly injections of Zoledronic acid, as it will help reduce bone lesions and improve bone strength, along with calcium and vitamin D supplementation and localized radiotherapy to relieve pain.

From a nutritional perspective, I advise eating small, frequent meals to avoid liver strain, taking multivitamin supplements, drinking plenty of water, and consuming fresh juices. I wish you a speedy recovery.

The treatment plan is Olaparib, ZA injection, vitamin D, calcium supplements, palliative radiotherapy, and follow-up after seven days.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I advise you to go directly to the oncology department and see an oncologist. There is no need to visit a urologist, as they will not prescribe these specific medications. These drugs are provided through the oncology unit. When you visit the oncology unit, you can also ask about clinical trials.

They can help you connect with pharmaceutical companies that provide these medications free of charge, and they may also offer financial support if needed. If you require any type of support, they are usually able to assist. Regarding the side effects of these medications, I would like to reassure you that they are generally minimal and mild.

They are not comparable to the side effects of chemotherapy, nor to those of endocrine deprivation therapy that you have previously received. The side effects are usually very limited. We wish you a speedy recovery.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.