PSMA PET SCAN for prostate cancer

---

A PSMA PET scan is one of the most advanced imaging tools available today for evaluating prostate cancer. It helps doctors determine whether cancer is confined to the prostate or has spread elsewhere in the body.

PSMA stands for Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen, a protein found on prostate cells.

During this scan, a small amount of a specialized tracer is injected into the body. This tracer is designed to attach to cells that express PSMA. The PET scan then detects areas where the tracer accumulates.

• Both normal (benign) and cancerous prostate cells can absorb the tracer
• Cancer cells typically show higher uptake, making them easier to identify
• Uptake outside the prostate is more concerning and may indicate spread
• 
  

A PSMA PET scan is significantly more accurate than older imaging methods like CT scans or bone scans.

Its primary role is to detect whether prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate, including:

• Seminal vesicles (adjacent to the prostate)
• Lymph nodes (nearby or distant)
• Bones (skeletal system)
• Other organs

Identifying cancer in these areas is critical for selecting the most appropriate treatment.

Dr. Jurige may recommend a PSMA PET scan in the following situations:

Before Treatment (Staging):

• Gleason score 4+3 or higher
• PSA levels greater than 15
• Suspicious findings on MRI or biopsy

In these cases, a normal scan may allow for more targeted or less aggressive treatment options.

After Treatment (Recurrence Evaluation):

• Rising PSA levels
• Concerning physical exam findings
• Suspicious MRI results

This scan can help detect whether cancer has returned or persisted.

• Some level of uptake in the prostate is normal, even without cancer
• A PSMA PET scan is highly informative, but it does not replace a biopsy
• A biopsy is still required to confirm the presence of cancer