Category: Indigo

Indigo (Relapsed Disease) occurs when surgery, radiation, or some form of focal therapy fail to cure the disease. Men who are Low-Indigo are judged to be at very low risk for harboring any lymph node metastases. To qualify as Low-Indigo the PSA must be under 0.5 after previous surgery, less than 5.0 after previous radiation or focal therapy and the PSA doubling time must be over 8 months. In addition, the original Stage of Blue prior to initial therapy with surgery, radiation or focal therapy must be Sky, Low- or Basic-Teal. Men with High-Indigo have metastases, but only into the pelvic lymph nodes. The metastases are proven to exist by either by surgery or with scans showing unequivocal pelvic node involvement. Scans and surgical pelvic lymph node staging in men with Basic-Indigo show no overt lymph node metastases. However, in men with Basic-Indigo, various factors suggest a significant likelihood that microscopic pelvic lymph node disease is present. Such factors include higher PSA levels, a fast PSA doubling time or a Stage of Blue prior to initial treatment with surgery or radiation that was higher than Basic-Teal. The intensity of treatment selected for Low-Indigo may be relatively mild since less aggressive therapy may be curative and further options can subsequently be implemented if necessary. Aggressive combination therapy is often used for Basic- and High-Indigo for two reasons: To enhance longevity and to eliminate the need for lifelong hormonal therapy, resulting in a better quality of life.

Azure / Elevated / Indigo / Newly Diagnosed / Prostate Cancer / Royal / Sky / Stages / Teal

Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer After Diagnosis

(These FAQs are for men who have received an elevated PSA or have a definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer. As medical oncologists who specialize in the treatment of prostate cancer …

Azure / Indigo / Prostate Cancer / Royal / Sky / Stages / Teal

Fundamentals Required for Prostate Cancer Staging

BY MARK SCHOLZ, MD For prostate cancer patients, an optimal treatment plan is the most important factor for long-term survival, and finding that ideal treatment begins with accurate staging. The …

Mark Scholz, MD

Advanced / Azure / High Risk / Indigo / Intermediate Risk / Low Risk / Newly Diagnosed / Prostate Cancer / Relapsed / Royal / Sky / Stages / Teal

10 Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer Patients

Prevention & Treatment There are a number of prostate cancer treatments to consider. Here’s what to think about before you make a decision. BY MARK SCHOLZ, MD Prostate cancer, like …

Advanced / Azure / Elevated / High Risk / Indigo / Intermediate Risk / Low Risk / Newly Diagnosed / Prostate Cancer / Relapsed / Royal / Sky / Stages / Teal

Alternative Therapies for Prostate Cancer

BY MARK SCHOLZ, MD Being diagnosed with cancer often stimulates people into action and triggers powerful survival instincts. Numerous purveyors of alternative medicine cater to these natural fears, and in …

Advanced / Azure / Elevated / High Risk / Indigo / Intermediate Risk / Low Risk / Newly Diagnosed / Prostate Cancer / Relapsed / Royal / Sky / Stages / Teal / Undiagnosed

10 Myths of Prostate Cancer

BY MARK SCHOLZ, MD I have cared for prostate cancer patients for more than 20 years. Patients come to me with all kinds of wrong notions. Here are 10 of …

Advanced / Azure / High Risk / Indigo / Intermediate Risk / Low Risk / Newly Diagnosed / Prostate Cancer / Relapsed / Royal / Sky / Teal

10 Ways to Cope With Prostate Cancer: How to Achieve the Best Outcome

BY MARK SCHOLZ, MD Every year, 200,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Confusion about optimal treatment is widespread. The doctors even defer to their patients saying, “Since it’s about …