PSA Levels Two Years After Radiation Treatment May Indicate Cancer Recurrence Chances
By Donna Parker • Jan 6th, 2010 • Category: Health News, Prostate Health
A patient’s PSA level two years post-treatment may indicate the occurrence rate of their prostate cancer returning.
A study published in American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) reveals that patients who are monitored two years after radiation treatment may have a better indication of their cancer recurrence risk.
Researchers suggest that men whose PSA levels measure less than or equal to 1.5 are less likely to have the disease recur. Additionally, those with a lower PSA level have less chance of dying from the illness.
PSA levels are regularly monitored after a patient’s treatment. The levels should become lower, indicating the therapy worked. It is when the levels either stay at the same level or rise that physicians see a higher instance of cancer recurrence. Generally, these levels should start to decrease between 18 and 24 months after treatment.
Previous studies revealed that cancer recurrence could not be determined until many years after treatment, resulting in some patients becoming too sick before they were properly diagnosed.
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