Role of PSMA PET Scan in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Role of PSMA PET Scan

Prostate cancer cells have great levels of Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA). It can be easily detected, hence it is used as an indicator of prostate cancer. Prostate-specific membrane antigen – Positron Emission Tomography-Computed tomography (PSMA- PET Scan) imaging scan is the most sensitive scan available for the detection of prostate cancer, which means it can detect even the smallest tumors, that are usually missed by other scans and will significantly improve the detection and treatment of prostate cancer.

PSMA-PET Scan uses an FDA-approved PET-sensitive radioactive drug 68Ga-PSMA-11, this is a radioactive agent that binds to prostate cancer cells and helps in localizing prostate cancer cells.

This is how PSMA PET works

Once the Radioactive tracer drug – 68Ga-PSMA-11 is injected. It attaches to PSMA proteins that are over-expressed in prostate cancer tumors. The PET scan detects this concentrated PSMA tracer, to pinpoint tumors for more effective treatment.

Benefits of PSMA PET Scan

• The PSMA PET Scan can detect the tumors that are often missed by other imaging techniques
• The PSMA tracers can be clubbed with CT or MRI scans
• PSMA PET is more precise in the detection of metastatic prostate cancer. This can help in planning an effective treatment and targeted care
• PSMA PET works using a radioactive tracer, called 68Ga-PSMA-11, which is safe and approved by FDA
• It can pinpoint tumors not only in the prostate but also throughout the pelvis and the body. This helps to know if the tumors have migrated
• Imaging with PSMA PET can detect more prostate lesions than the conventional PET in men who have undergone a radical prostatectomy but have had a cancer recurrence

You should consider a PSMA-PET scan if you were initially diagnosed with prostate cancer and are at a risk for metastatic disease or if you have been previously treated (typically with radiation therapy or prostatectomy), but have developed biochemical recurrence.