Should I have a PSMA PET scan?
Prostate Surface Membrane Antigen (PSMA) is a protein on the surface of most prostate cancer cells, which has a role in cellular division/ metabolism.
It’s more common in the cells of prostate cancers, so it can be used to find the cancer anywhere in the body. Anyone considered at high risk of having prostate cancer metastases should consider this scan, as it’s thought to be superior to CT and bone scans at detecting small-volume metastases.
It works by:
- Combining a PET scan with a CT scan to detect cancer cells using radioactive tracers that bind to the PSMA protein, abundant on the surface of prostate cancer cells.
- Allowing us to accurately localise and locate prostate cancers both in the prostate, but also anywhere in the body, if the cancer has spread.
It's used in two main instances:
- If your PSA is still rising after you’ve had surgery or radiotherapy, helping us to find any residual or recurring cancer much earlier and more easily.
- If your cancer has been flagged by the Gleason Score and PSA as being at high risk of metastasising, helping us to see whether it has spread and allows us to create a highly personalised treatment plan.
If your cancer has spread, there are many new treatments under assessment, including advanced PSMA Lutetium theranostics.
Our oncologists and surgery specialists will always work together to discuss what we think is best for your specific case, and explain why, so you can make an informed choice.
Ready to take the next step?
If you have worrying symptoms you’d like to get checked, need a second opinion or just want a free chat with one of our nurse specialists, get in touch. Our friendly team will take care of the rest.