PSMA PET Imaging: Doctor and Patient Perspectives

PSMA PET is a newer, highly sensitive imaging scan, initially FDA-approved in 2020, that can detect prostate cancer metastases much earlier, when they are much smaller. It is approved for two types of patients: 1) patients with suspected prostate cancer metastasis who are potentially curable by surgery or radiation therapy (for example, patients newly diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer), and 2) patients who were previously treated for prostate cancer and now have a suspected recurrence, based on elevated PSA levels.

How does it work? PSMA, short for Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen, is a protein found on the surface of prostate cancer cells. The “imaging agent” consists of a chemical that binds to PSMA, honing in on prostate cancer cells wherever they are in the body. Attached to this binding chemical is a radioactive “reporter.” Patients are given a one-time injection of this combination molecule into the bloodstream, “tagging” prostate cancer cells. The patients are then given a scan with an imaging camera that “lights up” areas where the molecule has accumulated—i.e., sites of prostate cancer.

PSMA PET imaging may help guide your treatment plan. Researchers continue to study how best to use this technology to improve patient outcomes.

Learn when and how PSMA PET is used, what the results mean, what happens during the scan, and more. Dr. Ryan is joined by nuclear medicine expert Dr. Phillip Koo (Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center) as well as Ira and Sharron, a patient and caregiver who will share their experience.

This event is generously supported by Lantheus.

View PSMA PET Imaging: Doctor Perspective transcript, PSMA PET Imaging: Patient and Caregiver Perspectives transcript and Additional Q&A with Dr. Phillip Koo transcript.