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What is Prostate Cancer PET Imaging?
Prostate cancer PET imaging is an advanced scan used to help detect prostate cancer cells anywhere in the body. This type of imaging can give your care team more detailed information than traditional scans in certain situations, which may help with diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and follow-up care.
At Astra Healthcare, we use Illuccix, an FDA-approved imaging kit used to prepare a PSMA PET tracer for prostate cancer imaging. PSMA stands for prostate-specific membrane antigen, a protein commonly found on prostate cancer cells. The tracer helps highlight areas where prostate cancer may be present so they can be seen more clearly on the PET scan.
Who Is a Candidate?
Your provider may recommend prostate cancer PET imaging for several reasons. This scan may be helpful if you have:
- A new prostate cancer diagnosis and need staging.
- A rising PSA level after treatment.
- Suspected recurrence of prostate cancer.
- A need for more detailed imaging than conventional scans can provide.
- A treatment plan that would benefit from more precise disease mapping.
Your doctor will determine whether this scan is appropriate based on your medical history, current symptoms, and previous test results.
What to Expect
During the exam, Illuccix is given through an IV. After the tracer is administered, there is typically a waiting period of about 60 minutes to allow it to circulate through the body and attach to PSMA-expressing cells.
Once imaging begins, you will lie on the PET scanner table while a full-body scan is performed. The scan itself is painless, and the full appointment usually takes about 2 to 3 hours from start to finish.
You may be asked to follow specific preparation instructions before your appointment, depending on your provider’s recommendations. Our team will give you clear guidance ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect.
Your Results
After your scan is complete, the images are reviewed by our team. The results are then sent to your referring physician, who will discuss them with you and explain any next steps.
Because this imaging is designed to provide more detailed information about prostate cancer activity in the body, it can be an important tool in helping guide ongoing care.
Schedule a Consultation
At Astra Healthcare, we are committed to providing professional, patient-centered care. If you would like to learn more about prostate cancer PET imaging or schedule a consultation, call our office at 480-462-2716 or contact us through our online form.
