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GenesisCare is one of the first medical centers in the US offering FDA approved PSMA PET to deliver the best possible life outcomes. PSMA PET is most effective and precise for localizing metastatic prostate cancer. With PSMA PET scans, we use targeted imaging to detect areas of suspected metastasis for initial therapy and suspected recurrence based on an elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.
PSMA PET with GenesisCare
PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) PET imaging will significantly improve how prostate cancer is detected and treated.
A PSMA PET/CT scan is a type of PET/CT scan using two types of scans – positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) – and a special radiotracer to detect prostate cancer within the prostate and that has spread throughout the body. It is used if you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer to assess whether it has spread.
The radiotracer is a special substance that is injected into your body before the scan and is attracted to a substance in the body called prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA). PSMA is a type of protein found in high concentrations on the surface of prostate cancer cells, including those that have spread to other parts of your body. The radiotracer can be detected by the PET/CT scan, showing where the cancer has spread and also indicating how it may respond to certain treatments. These results provide extremely detailed information to help your doctor plan your care.
What is a PET/CT scan?
A PET/CT scan combines two imaging techniques, positron emission tomography (PET) and computerized tomography (CT). PET produces 3-D images of your body and allows us to study any changes that are happening over time while we monitor your condition. The CT scan uses computer processed X-ray measurements to create a detailed image.
Why do I need a PSMA PET scan?
A PET scan is normally used if you’ve already had surgery or radiation therapy, and your blood tests show that your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level has begun to rise. This could mean that your treatment hasn’t cleared your cancer or your cancer has recurred. You may then need to have more scans to show the precise location and “stage” of any disease that’s left.
How does it work?
A radioactive substance known as a radiotracer is injected into your bloodstream. This allows the scan to show us precisely how the tissues in your body are functioning and identify any organs that are not working correctly.
What is a PSMA PET scan?
PSMA PET uses a PET-sensitive drug that is FDA approved. This radioactive imaging agent binds to prostate cancer cells to help localize prostate cancer. It’s a very precise diagnostic test. It can identify prostate cancer that can’t be seen on other types of imaging. It’s used for primary staging of intermediate or high risk disease. It can also show how well your body has responded to any treatment. It helps with the planning of treatment for secondary (metastatic) cancer.
Why don't I have another bone scan?
Sometimes bone scans are carried out to identify cancer which has spread from another part of the body. In some cases, these cancers may not be visible on a bone scan. A PSMA PET scan provides a more detailed picture of small changes in soft tissue and bones.
Is the scan painful?
The scan should be completely painless. Often, the hardest part is keeping still. The providers of these scans will support you to get comfortable and to remain still.
What happens during the scan?
The usual process is to have a radioactive imaging agent injected into your arm, then after about 60 minutes, you will have the scan. You will need to lie completely still and the scan will take between 20–45 minutes.
How will PSMA PET images change my treatment?
The radioactive imaging agent enables us to spot even tiny changes in your condition and identify any cancer sites with great accuracy. This means your treatment can be precisely targeted.
At GenesisCare, we are finding new ways to care for your patients. We are one of the first medical centers in the US offering FDA approved PSMA PET to deliver the best possible life outcomes. With the release of the PSMA PET scans, we can enhance the way to test for metastatic prostate cancer by using targeted imaging to detect areas of suspected metastasis for initial therapy and suspected recurrence based on an elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.*
Find a PSMA PET GenesisCare center,** close to you:
*Based on FDA approved clinical indications
** PSMA supply subject to availability per location
***PSMA PET is available at select GenesisCare sites that provide PET imaging.
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Financial and insurance information
We know you may be worried about your insurance and how much of your treatment it will cover. That’s why each of our locations has a dedicated Office Financial Counselor on hand to help you with your paperwork and answer your questions. We accept most insurance plans as well as Medicare Part B, which covers physician services.