While the survival rate for men with prostate cancer at the 5-year mark is close to 100%, recurrence is a reality for between 5% to 40% of patients.

Cancer recurrence means that cancer has been detected again during follow-up testing after it was previously no longer detectable.

The prime indicator of recurrence is the return of higher levels of PSA (prostate-specific antigen). Following prostate gland removal, PSA levels in patients are reduced to the point that they’re almost undetectable. Following radiation, PSA is stable or very minimal.

Detecting recurrence

Following a prostate cancer diagnosis, your healthcare provider may recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your condition. These visits may include blood tests to measure PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, physical examinations, and additional imaging when appropriate. It's important to inform your healthcare provider of any new or changing symptoms, as this information can help guide ongoing evaluation and care.

When PSA levels indicate that the cancer has returned or is metastasizing (spreading to other parts of the body), your doctor will order imaging tests like bone scans or X-Rays. His recommendations will largely depend on your individual status.

Axumin® is a radioactive PET imaging tracer used in combination with a PET/CT scan to help detect and locate recurrent prostate cancer. It can identify areas of suspected recurrence that may not be visible with conventional imaging, providing valuable information to support diagnosis, staging, and ongoing clinical evaluation.

Indicative factors

There are several red flags indicating that the prostate cancer has either returned or is spreading:

  • The presence of cancer cells in the pelvic lymph nodes can be a strong indicator of recurrence.
  • Larger tumors represent a greater risk of recurrence.
  • The Gleason score (derived from the results of a biopsy), when high, points to a risk of recurrence.
  • The stage at which the cancer is diagnosed helps physicians determine the most appropriate care plan and provides important information about the disease.

Evaluating Prostate
Cancer Recurrence

When prostate cancer recurrence is suspected, additional evaluation helps physicians better understand the location and extent of the disease. Factors such as PSA levels, previous imaging findings, symptoms, and a patient's overall medical history all contribute to determining the most appropriate diagnostic approach.

Advanced imaging studies, including PSMA PET/CT and prostate MRI when appropriate, can provide detailed information about recurrent disease. These exams help identify areas of concern, assess whether cancer has spread beyond the prostate, and support accurate staging and clinical decision-making.

The information obtained through diagnostic imaging enables healthcare providers to make informed recommendations regarding further evaluation and ongoing patient care. Every patient's situation is unique, and imaging plays an important role in helping physicians develop an individualized management plan.

Schedule an Appointment

X-Ray Associates of New Mexico

X-Ray Associates of New Mexico has been bringing patients in this state the most up-to-date radiological imaging services available for more than 65 years.

With six locations across New Mexico, we’ve made diagnostic imaging more accessible for patients here.

Patients with prostate cancer recurrence in Albuquerque have a superior resource in our services, supported by focused customer care, personalized service and quality imaging.

We know that facing prostate cancer recurrence is a daunting prospect. But we also know that our patients receive outstanding, compassionate care and the most accurate testing available.