Delayed Diagnosis of Recurrent Prostate Cancer Leads to Bony Metastasis

Case Overview

This case involves a 55-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with Stage II prostate cancer. The initial pathology reports revealed an adenocarcinoma throughout the prostate, with Gleason scores of 8 in all regions. A bone scan at the time revealed no evidence of metastatic disease and surgery was not recommended by his oncologist, but rather external beam radiation (IMRT and androgen deprivation therapy were offered. The patient elected for IMRT therapy alone, without the androgen deprivation. The patient tolerated the treatment well with the exception of frequent nocturia and a constant feeling of incomplete emptying. He took several medications to deal with these issues, including Flomax. In the years that followed, several follow-up PSAs were obtained, however, no form of surveillance imaging was ordered by his radiation oncologist. A random PSA was done was taken by the patients PCP and it spiked to a value of 75, which finally prompted further investigation. At this time, the radiation oncologist ordered a full workup, including a bone scan and a CT of the abdomen and pelvis. The bone scan showed widespread metastatic disease to the spine, ribs, shoulders and pelvis.