How Do I Know If Salvage Therapy Is Effective?

Matthew Cooney, M.D., University Hospitals

ByABC News
November 19, 2008, 12:19 PM

Jan. 01, 2009 -- Question: How do I know if salvage therapy is effective?

Answer: After your salvage therapy, you and your doctor will keep a close eye on things. You'll get checkups every 3-6 months that will include physical exams and checking a blood test called PSA. What you want to see over time is that your PSA remains normal or undetectable. If, over time, your PSA increases, you and your doctor will need to talk about other treatment options for your prostate cancer.