Do biopsies contribute to distant metastasis?
You've probably read articles and watched youtube videos saying as much.
Some going even further to suggest not having the biopsy at all.
It's not a totally unrealistic thought to have considering the hemorrhage that occurs from the needle cores.
Hi
. The potential for biopsy induced metastasis of prostate cancer or seeding is pretty much accepted at this point, but considered extremely rare. In fact, here is a research paper discussing how seeding increases the value of PET-CT imagining: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214442024002067. I believe you mentioned in your other post that you are getting the PSMA PET. Hopefully that can help solidify your course of action on your treatment. Please feel free to keep us posted. Best, Richard (Team Member) Thanks Richard!
In particular that link, I haven't read it yet but will shortly.
When you say 'increase the value of the PET-CT imaging' do you mean that metastasis could show up? Or the intrinsic value associated with having said scan performed...
I have read that some time should be allowed to pass (30-60 days) after a biopsy before you have the scan. Any scan for that matter.
If one goes by the time frame(s) mentioned in other articles I've read regarding 'Seeding' I feel the waiting is a moot point.
In any case, thanks again!Along with biopsies possibly spreading cancer could all the other tests like cat & pet scans contribute to cancer getting worse? Do these test benefits really outweigh the risk? Have any studies been done with people that have intermediate PC that decided to do nothing? The studies already show that radiation treatments will most likely cause another cancer years after treatment. I wonder if life expectancy would be close to the same avoiding biopsy, numerous scans, radiation treatments, etc,etc... Does anyone ever get "cured" from prostate cancer with current treatments or is it just keep getting PSA tests the rest of your life? And if/when cancer comes back start all over again with biopsies, more dangerous scans and treatments. It's really hard to decide what is right once you have cancer and fall into the medical system.
Hi
. Your concerns are understandable and some tests, like X-rays and CT scans, use ionizing radiation which has the potential to cause cancer, while others like MRI do not and have never been linked to any cancers (see: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/air-pollution-radiation-and-cancer/ionising-radiation-and-cancer). As far as the cured question goes, I have two relatives who were treated years ago and have not had a recurrence. Yes, they still get tested out of caution. We have other men here who have not had a recurrence. Of course, there are absolutely men here who have experienced recurrences and subsequent treatment. There is research on men with favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer on active surveillance that shows some favorable outcomes (see: https://www.auajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1097/JU.0000000000003012), but again, continued vigilance is needed. At the end of the day, with as much information as available, each person has to make the best decision for themself. Best, Richard (Team Member)
