Prostate-specific membrane antigen PET-CT scans are a novel form of imaging test that can tell doctors if prostate cancer has spread to distant parts of the body or is it still localised to the prostate and can be cured by Robotic surgery by your Urooncologist

When cells in the body begin to grow out of control, cancer develops. Cancer cells can develop in practically any part of the body and spread to other parts of the body. PSMA PET scans are a novel form of imaging test that can tell doctors if prostate cancer has spread outside the prostateesp to lymph nodes and bones.

Take a look at the PSMA PET scan for more information.

What is the PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) PET scan for prostate cancer?

• A new imaging approach for prostate cancer which is more sensitive than a Bone scan has been developed.
• PSMA PET uses an FDA-approved PET-sensitive medication (68Ga-PSMA-11).
• The radioactive imaging agent 68Ga-PSMA-11 attaches to prostate cancer cells and aids in their localization.

When is the PSMA PET test done?

If you've recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and your doctor suspects it has spread to other parts of your body, he or she may order a PSMA PET scan. Alternatively, your doctor may use it to determine the extent to which prostate cancer has spread.

Prostate cancer is typically detected early on, before it has spread. Some people, however, are at a higher risk of developing metastatic prostate cancer. In such a scenario your Urooncologist may order PSMA PET-CT scan after you are diagnosed with prostate cancer.

What happens during PSMA PET test?

• Injection of the radioactive tracer medication (68Ga-PSMA-11).
• Before being scanned, the patient must wait one hour.
• The scans are submitted to a Nuclear medicine professional for evaluation (typically the same day). Your Urooncologist will next study the report as well as the PET images.

A prior appointment is needed to do a PSMA PET-CT scan, a highly specialised testing available at limited centres of excellence for Urologic Cancers. This scan aids the Urooncologist in making an accurate diagnosis and prescribing the best treatment for your problem.