Why Prostate Cancer Survivor Steve Schwartz Thinks It’s Important to Be Vigilant

PCRI's CEO, Alex Scholz, sits down with prostate cancer survivor Steve Schwartz to discuss his history of fighting prostate cancer. His story is one that highlights the value of being a vigilant patient. He researched all of his options, sought second opinions, and complied with lifestyle recommendations to achieve the best possible outcomes given a tough situation.

0:22 Mr. Schwartz's battle with prostate cancer began eight years ago when he and his doctors noticed that his PSA was rising. He was sent to a urologist who performed a random biopsy, found a core of Gleason 3+4=7, and recommended radical prostatectomy. He decided to have a second opinion on his pathology slides to see if that was possible. A second doctor graded his pathology slides as 3+3, seemingly making him a good candidate for active surveillance. He had a third doctor, Dr. Jonathan Epstein, review his slides, and he too decided that the samples were pre-cancerous rather than cancerous, seemingly making him a good candidate for active surveillance.

2:56 Mr. Schwartz then went to see a medical oncologist Dr. Mark Scholz who expressed concern with the accuracy of the random biopsy and suggested that Mr. Schwartz undergo imaging. Dr. Scholz performed a color doppler ultrasound, found a suspicious area, and recommended an MRI-guided biopsy of the suspicious area. The MRI-guided biopsy found cancer in all three samples, 80% involved, Gleason 4+4=8. Mr. Schwartz sent the pathology slides to Dr. Epstein who confirmed that the samples were 4+4=8.

5:11 Since Mr. Schwartz's Gleason grade was found to 4+4=8, he knew that he was not a candidate for active surveillance. He continued to research treatment options and spoke with his doctor about the possibility of partial-cryotherapy. He underwent the procedure with Dr. Duke Bahn and experienced little to no side effects from the procedure.

6:24 Mr. Schwartz went into remission for six or seven years until he noticed that his PSA was rising again. He had color doppler and MRI imaging performed, but they were unable to detect anything within the prostate. He went to see a doctor in Arizona who—at the time—had the most advanced imaging capabilities. Initially, that doctor found two unusual spots in the pelvis but did not believe that they were cancerous. Mr. Schwartz gave the doctor scans that he had done in the past, and the comparison helped convince the doctor that the spots actually were likely cancerous. He had a second opinion done at UCLA who concurred that the two spots were likely cancerous.

8:03 The status quo for treating prostate cancer metastases had been to go on androgen deprivation (first-generation, e.g. Lupron) indefinitely until you die. However, the results from recent studies and successes from Dr. Scholz's practice convinced Mr. Schwartz that the best course of action was to be as aggressive and early with his treatment as possible. He decided, in concert with his physicians, to go on Lupron, Zytiga (a second-generation hormone therapy), and chemotherapy (Taxotere) at the same time.

10:40 Mr. Schwartz utilized an Ice Cap to preserve his hair during chemotherapy. He also heeded Dr. Scholz's advice to do consistent weight training and exercise to counteract the side effects of fatigue. Although it was difficult, he had a trainer who held him accountable. Because of his efforts, he only experienced mild side effects from this treatment protocol.

14:15 In addition to the systemic therapies, Mr. Schwartz had SBRT (a form of radiation) directed at his metastases.

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The Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to helping you research your treatment options. We understand that you have many questions, and we can help you find the answers that are specific to your case. All of our resources are designed by a multidisciplinary team of advocates and expert physicians, for patients. We believe that by educating yourself about the disease, you will have more productive interactions with your medical professionals and receive better-individualized care. Feel free to explore our website or call our free helpline at 1 (800) 641-7274 with any questions that you have. Our Federal Tax ID # is 95-4617875 and qualifies for maximum charitable gift deductions by individual donors.

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