What is a PSMA-PET scan?

What’s the difference between a PET and a PSMA-PET scan?

Unlike other cancers, prostate cancer generally grows slowly and often doesn’t show up on standard PET scans. For a PSMA-PET scan we use a different type of radioactive tracer that is targeted specifically at a protein present on most prostate cancer cells, called Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen or PSMA. A PSMA-PET scan can see small deposits of prostate cancer down to a few millimetres in size, so it is particularly good at detecting prostate cancer in the early stages when it first starts to spread.

The ProPSMA study showed that PSMA PET/CT is far more accurate than standard scans for high-risk prostate cancer, correctly staging 92% of cases compared to 65%. A recent Danish study also found that men whose cancer returned lived longer when this scan was used before radiation treatment.

Why are PSMA-PET scans important for prostate cancer?

An accurate assessment of whether, and where, the cancer has spread means that we can better tailor treatment to our patients’ individual circumstances. Currently PSMA-PET scans are most useful when undertaken as part of the initial staging for men with localised but ‘high risk’ prostate cancer, for men who appear to have a few limited sites of metastatic spread (called oligometastases) or for men with PSA recurrence after their initial surgery or radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy).

Australia has been a leader in adopting this technology, with PSMA-PET scans now available in many metropolitan and regional cities. At Icon Cancer Centre, patients can feel confident knowing they have access to these advanced scans and radiology services at many of our centres nationwide, ensuring more men have access to the latest in screening, closer to home. Icon is also expanding its theranostics service to allow more patients to access this cutting-edge treatment.