Prostate Cancer PSA-Negative Treatment: John Tesh’s Story

Here’s a breakdown of John Tesh’s prostate cancer‍ journey, based on the provided text:

1. Initial Diagnosis & Treatment at MD Anderson:

* Care Team: ⁢ John Tesh was under the care of Dr. Christopher Logothetis, a ⁣genitourinary medical⁣ oncologist, and Dr. Brian Chapin, a urologic surgeon.
* ⁣ Surgery: Dr.Chapin‍ performed robotic surgery to remove suspicious lymph nodes.
* ⁣ Spread & ‍Further Treatment: The surgery confirmed cancer had spread to his lymph nodes.He then underwent four rounds of chemotherapy followed by Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT).
* ADT Explained: ADT⁣ lowers ⁣androgen levels⁢ (like testosterone) or⁢ prevents them from ‍reaching prostate cancer cells,‍ as these hormones can fuel cancer growth. ⁣It can ⁤be achieved ⁣through testicle removal or medication.

2. Cancer⁣ Returns & ⁤Decision to Delay Radiation:

* ⁤ Recurrence: ‍The cancer spread⁢ again.
* Radiation Consideration: Doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital proposed extensive radiation therapy (“carpet bombing” the pelvis with 30 rounds).
* Decision to Pause: Tesh and his family decided to hold ⁤off on radiation due to potential side effects impacting ‍critically important bodily functions.

3. Unique Case & Digital Twin:

* Unusual Cancer: Tesh’s cancer is unusual as it doesn’t produce Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). This makes detection and treatment⁣ more challenging, as⁤ PSA levels are commonly used for screening. His ⁢cancer ⁤is suspected to be a rare ⁤type – small cell⁤ prostate ⁤cancer.
* Digital Twin: MD Anderson is creating a “digital twin” – a computer‍ simulation – of tesh’s case to help understand and possibly treat his ‍unique‍ cancer.

In‍ essence, the article details a complex and ongoing battle with prostate cancer, highlighting the challenges of treating rare forms of the disease⁣ and the innovative approaches being⁤ used to ⁢find⁣ solutions.