Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among men, affecting approximately 1 in 8. Early detection and precise staging are crucial for effective treatment. While the PSA blood test has long been a screening tool, a more advanced imaging technique—PSMA PET scan—is gaining prominence for its ability to reveal whether cancer has spread. Dr. Phillip Koo, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and Bill, a patient advocate living with prostate cancer for 18 years, stress that men should proactively ask about this test.
PSMA, or prostate-specific membrane antigen, is a protein found on the surface of most prostate cancer cells. A PSMA PET scan uses a radioactive tracer to bind to this protein, allowing doctors to visualize the extent of the disease anywhere in the body. According to Dr. Koo, over 80-90% of prostate cancer patients express PSMA, making it a highly effective biomarker for staging and treatment planning. This imaging can detect metastases that might be missed by conventional scans, leading to more personalized and timely interventions.
Bill, who has navigated prostate cancer for nearly two decades, emphasizes the value of being an informed patient. After his diagnosis, he sought knowledge and discovered PSMA testing. He brought the information to his doctor, and together they incorporated it into his treatment strategy. "It helped me understand truly where I am in this journey," he says. The results allowed him and his oncologist to craft a precise plan of action, reinforcing his belief that "information is power."
Dr. Koo advises patients to be proactive in their care. He encourages men to speak with their doctors about PSMA testing, especially if they are at higher risk or have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The test can be performed at various stages—at initial diagnosis, after biochemical recurrence, or when there is suspicion of metastasis. By knowing their PSMA status, patients can make informed decisions about treatment options, including surgery, radiation, or systemic therapies.
The importance of PSMA testing extends beyond initial staging. It can also guide treatment selection, such as whether a patient is eligible for PSMA-targeted therapies like lutetium-177-PSMA. This precision medicine approach ensures that patients receive the most effective treatments at the right time.
For men seeking more information, Dr. Koo and Bill recommend visiting GetYourScan.com, a resource that explains PSMA testing and how to advocate for it. They stress that patients should not be passive participants in their healthcare. Instead, they should ask questions, seek out information, and work collaboratively with their medical teams to determine if PSMA testing is appropriate.
In summary, PSMA PET imaging represents a significant advancement in prostate cancer care, offering more accurate detection and better-informed treatment decisions. Men diagnosed with prostate cancer should discuss this test with their doctors to ensure they are leveraging all available tools in their fight against the disease.
