What is PSMA?

Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)

PSMA is an FDA-approved diagnostic imaging agent, also known as a “tracer”, which may help your physician determine if and where your prostate cancer is located. Like many imaging tracers, PSMA includes a radioactive element which is used to produce images of your body and its internal organs and tissues. The radioactivity is very short-lived and will be gone a few hours after the exam is completed.

PSMA is used with a PET/CT Scan

PET/CT scanning combines two imaging techniques. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan shows physiologic (functional) changes in the body, and a computed tomography (CT) scan shows a detailed depiction of your anatomy, where these changes could be taking place. Together, these two imaging techniques provide your physician with detailed information about the extent and location of your disease.

Understanding Prostate Cancer. Clearly.

If you have prostate cancer, you’re not alone. In fact, more than 3.1 million American men are currently living with the disease. While this may be an uncertain time, the information contained here can help you and your loved ones understand what’s ahead to help make informed choices.

Initial Diagnosis

Approximately 248,530 new prostate cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2021. As part of your initial diagnosis, your doctor determines your risk group, which helps inform an appropriate treatment plan.

There are 5 prostate cancer risk groups to be aware of:

  • Very Low
  • Low
  • Intermediate
  • High
  • Very High

Patients in high or very high risk groups may qualify for PSMA scan

Recurrent Prostate Cancer

If you’ve received treatment for prostate cancer–such as surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy—your doctor will monitor your overall health and run a variety of tests, including one that checks your prostate-specific antigen, or PSA level. If the test confi rms an elevated PSA level, this means the cancer may have returned, or recurred.

Prostate Cancer Assessment:

If your doctor is concerned that the prostate cancer has spread, they may schedule an imaging scan. Your doctor will then assess if the cancer has remained in the prostate and pelvic area, spread into nearby lymph nodes, or reached other parts of the body. This information will help guide your doctor in the selection of an appropriate treatment.

“When detected early, 5-year survival rates for cancer found in the prostate area can be as high as 100%, which is why ongoing screenings are important.”

Having more information about the different imaging options and steps may help relieve any concerns you have about what’s involved.

PET / CT Procedure

How to Prep for a PET/CT Scan with PSMA

Stay hydrated before and after your scan. No other prep is needed.

Upon Arrival

  • An intravenous (IV) catheter line will be placed in your arm or similar vein.
  • You’ll receive an injection of radioactive PSMA 1 hour prior to your PET/CT scan.

During the Procedure

  • You will be asked to lie on your back on the PET CT scanner bed with your arms raised above your head; a trained PET CT technologist will be there to assist. Lie as still as possible on the scanner bed and breathe normally.
  • The scanner bed will move slowly into the scanner and the scan will typically start at your mid-thigh and go all the way up to your head.
  • The technologist will provide you with any instructions or information through this process.
  • The scan could last up to 30 minutes.

After Your Scan

  • Results will be read by an XRANM Radiologist and sent to your doctor, usually within a few days.
  • Be sure to continue to hydrate as much as possible and void frequently. You may resume normal activities immediately after the PET/CT scan.

PSMA Service Locations

PET is available at El Camino Imaging Center, X-Ray Associates at Farmington, X-Ray Associates at Santa Fe and X-Ray Associates on Beckner Road..