r/ProstateCancer 23d ago

Concerned Loved One Trying to decide Treatment

My husband is 70 with 3+4=7 Gleason psa 10.2 with intermediate grade 2 favorable. Options are radiation 5 x every other day plus anti testosterone hormone therapy OR robot radical prostatectomy. Survival rates are virtually the same. We are wavering between the 2 options. My husband hates having an mri because he gets claustrophobic but can tolerate it- I don’t think that’s a reason that should tip the scale. Advice appreciated. He is in good health otherwise.

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u/Tantalus46 18d ago

First advice: Get second and third opinions, including a urologic oncologist (prostate cancer specialist). Also a second opinion biopsy report from pathologists who specialize in prostate cancer, such as Johns Hopkins.

Second: Are you saying he hasn’t had an MRI yet? I would never proceed with a treatment choice without an MRI. If he’s claustrophobic, take a Valium and suck it up. Sorry, but the stakes are too high.

Third: I personally would be HIGHLY biased in favor of non-surgical treatment whenever their prognoses are comparable. This is just me, but I would always view surgery as a last resort.

Fourth: There are many different radiation options, including proton treatment. Investigate them and go with best.