What Does a Spike (Bounce) in PSA Test Results Mean?
Full Question sent by a subscriber on my YouTube channel: Thank you so much for prompt response. And what about Total 8.4 and Free 2.3 on established prostate cancer. PSA total was 4 less than a month ago, free wasn’t tested then. This individual has already been diagnosed with prostate cancer 5years ago … However, PSA hasn’t been this high since diagnosis, patient is currently taking xcendre (sp).
He doesn’t complain of anything except being a bit tired, which we were told could be caused by the medications he’s taking. The sudden raise from 4 just less than a month ago to 8.4 yesterday, startled us a bit.
CT scan recommended after bone scan showed all is normal. Any thing you could think of that might have caused the sudden spike? one thing I forgot to mention is that he received radiation therapy about 3 months ago. Would that make PSA spike even after 3 months post radiation?
Answer:
A rare but can happen, “PSA Spike” or “PSA bounce” is a sudden rise in PSA level that occurs after the radiation session (external beam radiation and brachytherapy), and it may last for a few months or few years throughout the irradiation period, and then return to a lower PSA level again after a while or go back to the normal PSA limits.
When You Should Worry? If the temporarily rise in PSA level after radiation is very high not just a slight increasement which may be a cancer is returning or progress.
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