PSA dropped from 10 to 5
Hi,
In October 2021 my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. At the time of the diagnosis his PSA was 10, the MRI was clean and the biopsy showed a Gleason score of 6. A month ago his PSA was measured at 5. He will have a second biopsy this week. Has anyone experienced, or heard about, such a large fluctuation in the PSA levels?
Thanks!
A Gleason score of 6 according to many is most likely not spread. I have seen several articles that are asking if a Gleason 6 should be considered cancer. My Gleason was a 9 and my PSA was 2.3.
A cancer diagnosis is a diagnosis so it is wise to stay on top of it.
PSA scores are not indications of cancer they only measure how much of the prostate antigen is present in the blood at the time blood was drawn. YES ...PSA can rise and fall + many things can impact PSA levels - such as riding a bike, the size of the prostate, sexual activity, prostate infections and more.
What you will want to watch are the Gleason scores along with a steady rising PSA. I suspect your dad is being seen by a urologist which at this point may be far better than a GP. Ask questions and if you are not sure do not hesitate to meet with another urologist - preferably one who is connected with a regional medical center or university. Hope this helps a bit and please continue to reach out here.
Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
thank you very much for your response and for the very useful information. PSA values are indeed a little bit more complex to interpret. Prior to the first biopsy the PSA values used to fluctuate between 6 and 10. An early ultrasound showed his prostate being enlarged. He also had difficulties only during his morning toilet routine. The biopsy showed a Gleason score of 6 and after that he had an MRI and a bone scan both of which were "clean". By the way, my dad is 67 years old and a rather physically active person because of his work.
He actually visited four urologists. The common observation from all of them was that his condition is not considered aggressive. Two of them (regional medical center) suggested a radical prostatectomy while the other two (academics) suggested a watchful waiting. Seven months later, he will have his second biopsy and his most recent PSA test showed a value of 5. After reading a couple of scientific articles it seems to me that grade/Gleason score progression is unlikely to happen in such a short timespan. Do you maybe have any views on that? Of course, next days the second biopsy diagnosis will tell the truth.
