On June the 4th I reported on the SWOG-9346 study presented at the ASCO Meeting in Chicago (http://advancedprostatecancer.net/?p=3264). In the presentation by principal investigator, Maha Hussain, M.D., F.A.C.P., from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Hussain reported that intermittent androgen-deprivation (IAD) therapy is not as good as continuous hormone therapy with regard to a man’s longevity!
Since the release of the study many other commentators have discussed the study and I too have had a chance to mull over these results. Immediately after the June 4th post, I became engaged in a conversation on the Advanced Prostate Cancer On-Line Support Group about the significance of the study and what changes, if any, I would make going forward (I am currently on an off period of IAD).
At that time I said I would need to think about what my future plans would be going forward. Although I have not yet had the required conversation with my doctor, I have tentatively decided to continue with an intermittent schedule.
I first wish to explain that I do wish to extend my life, despite this I am strongly leaning to stay on the intermittent schedule. Here is my reasoning:
1- In the SWOG study they used the PSA cut off number of 4.0 ng/mL or less to determine who could qualify to be in the trial. A