How Is a PSMA PET Scan Performed?
Step 1: A technician injects the radioactive substance that targets PSMA into a vein in the patient’s arm.
Step 2: (An hour later) The patient lies down on a table that slides in and out of a donut-shaped PET scan machine combined with CT or MRI scanner.
Step 3: The machine collects many images of parts inside the body. The scan is done with either a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to provide more detailed images.
Step 4: A radiologist reviews all the images and reports areas of the body that have high levels of PSMA, like prostate cancer.
Who Should Get a PSMA PET Scan?
PSMA PET scans have several uses in the detection, diagnosis, and management of prostate cancer, including:
Detecting the Presence and Extent of Prostate Cancer: PSMA PET scans are highly sensitive in detecting prostate cancer, even in its early stages. The scans can show the exact location and size of tumors, as well as whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.
Staging Prostate Cancer: PSMA PET scans can be used to stage prostate cancer, which helps doctors determine the best treatment options and prognosis. They can identify whether the cancer is localized to the prostate gland or has spread to other parts of the body.
Monitoring Treatment Response: PSMA PET scans can be used to monitor the effectiveness of prostate cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. They can show whether the cancer has shrunk or remained stable, or if there is evidence of disease progression.
Detecting Recurrent Prostate Cancer: PSMA PET scans can be used to detect the recurrence of prostate cancer after initial treatment, even in cases where the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels are low.
Guiding Biopsy and Treatment: PSMA PET scans can help guide biopsy procedures and treatment planning by providing a more accurate and detailed view of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. This can help doctors target the biopsy or treatment to the exact location of the cancer, while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
How do I prepare for a PSMA PET Scan?
Some simple steps you need to follow before PSMA PET Scan:
Fasting: The patient is advised to do fasting for around 4 to 5 hours before the procedure.
Stay Hydrated: Patients need to stay hydrated, so drink water before coming to the diagnostic center for the procedure.
Rest: The patient is advised to take rest for about 1 hour after getting the injection of the PSMA radioactive tracer.
Are There Side-Effects of PSMA PET Scan?
PSMA PET scans are safe for most patients. Some may experience temporary symptoms, such as headache, taste changes, or fatigue, that will go away on their own. Rarely, there may be an allergic reaction, particularly in patients with a history of allergy to other medications and foods. Lastly, the scan adds to a patient’s lifetime radiation exposure.
Are There Limitations?
PSMA PET scans are not perfect. There is a small chance of a missed diagnosis because a small percentage of prostate cancers do not express PSMA and cannot be detected by a PSMA PET scan. Sometimes, PSMA is expressed by other types of cancer and by noncancer-related conditions, which may be incorrectly diagnosed as prostate cancer. Though rare, a missed diagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis can lead physicians to offer an inappropriate treatment.
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