Case Report: A castration-resistant terminal prostate cancer patient’s survival prolonged after practicing Falun Gong

Abstract

Background: Most metastatic prostate cancer patients receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as the mainstay of treatment. Unfortunately, patients ultimately progress to castration resistance. Clinical finding and diagnosis: We describe a man in his eighties who developed stage IV, M1b prostate cancer, and multiple (≥5) bone metastases who required the aid of a walker to ambulate. Without treatment, his treating physician predicted he would survive 6 months. Interventions and outcomes: The patient initially responded well to treatment with ADT, but during the 80-89th week of treatment he developed castration resistance. ADT was then discontinued. He subsequently began practicing Falun Gong (FLG) as an alternative form of care. Within one year of constant practice, he became able to walk independently, his bone metastases disappeared, and he also enjoyed better psychosocial functioning. His treating physician assessed that his prostate malignancy was “clinically, under control” and “his overall functional status is excellent.” The patient survived a total of 263 weeks (61.4 months) post diagnosis, including 174 weeks (40.6 months) after developing castration resistance. Conclusion: This castration-resistant terminal prostate cancer patient gained significant clinical benefits after practicing Falun Gong.