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Xtandi ... told to stop taking.

Johnsy251
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I have recently been told to stop taking Enzalutimide after rises in PSA.  I am not too happy about this obviously.  I have several left should I carry on taking them? Also does this mean my Prostate Cancer will begin to grow again. I am now having fairly regular bone and CT scans I take it that is ti monitor progression.

Many Thanks.

  • Hi there Johnsy251 and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about the rise in your psa. As your doctor has told you to stop the enzalutamide it is important to follow their instruction.

    They should have explained the reasons to you for this. Unfortunately sometimes cancers stop responding to a treatment and when this happens there is little benefit in continuing it. It is important you speak with your doctor or specialist nurse to get further understanding about this and what else may need to happen next.

    It sounds like the doctors are monitoring your cancer and I am sure if they feel you would benefit from a different treatment as things change they will discuss this with you.

    I hope this is helpful in some way but do get back if you have further questions. The help line is also open weekdays 9-5 on 0808 800 4040 if you prefer to talk over the phone.

    All the best

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    Thanks. My psa has risen but scans show no further spread of the cancer. My concern is if the cancer is stable why stop enzalutamide ? 

  • in reply to Johnsy251

    Hello Johnsy251 and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your situation . I can understand that it must have been disappointing to hear that you are stopping Enzalutamide when your scans are showing no evidence of further spread. Unfortunately as nurse Naomi said there is evidence to suggest that a cancer can become resistant over time to this drug and even though there is no evidence of further spread the drug will stop being so effective in the future.

    Moving on do talk to your team at the hospital about how you will be monitored and whether there are any other treatments that they may consider giving you.

    Prostate CancerUK have been doing some research about why men become resistant to these drugs which you might find helpful to look at.

    Do give the nurses a ring on the helpline if you would like to talk things through.

    The number to call is freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. We are however closed on the Bank holiday days including Christmas Eve.

    Best wishes,

    Catherine

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