Has anyone had the PSMA-PET scan? Was cancer found?

Posted by hector13 @hector13, May 12, 2022

My prostate was removed 5 years ago. Two months ago, my PSA went from 0.00 to 0.09, and this month the PSA increased to 0.2. My urologist believes I am a candidate for the new PSMA-PET scan approved in 2020 that is more sensitive than previous scans in detecting small tumors. Has anyone had this scan? If so, what was your PSA at the time and was the cancer found?

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jimcinak | @jimcinak | Jul 22, 2022

I think the question has to do not with “machines” but with having a site approved by the ?manufacturer of the gallium for the PSMA PET. I saw a press release suggesting more sites would be online in Oct 2022. I believe that Mayo Clinic in Rochester is doing these; Dr Kwon’s video (link above) confirms that.

Fuzzyjeepster, would you be willing to tell us what you paid out of pocket for the PSMA PET scan at UCLA? FWIW: On diagnosis of my PCa I asked at Mayo Rochester about the (older) choline scan. The radiation oncologist advised it was not approved for first level diagnostics, but I could pay for it out of pocket (only $18,000 in 2020). I opted not to do that.

Fuzzyjeepster could you clarify if the 7.5 weeks of radiation or the 5 treatments are both traditional (photon) radiation vs. proton beam radiation?

hergiew | @hergiew | Jul 22, 2022

In reply to @cl81227 "Hi Coleen, Yes thats it. Part 1 of 3 videos, which are all worth watching" + (show)

How do we get the other two videos?

pauljay | @pauljay | Jul 21, 2022

In reply to @fuzzyjeepster "My understanding is UCLA has the only two machines in the country. UC Berkley and UC..." + (show)

It's UCLA and UCSF that has the PSMA Pet scan machine.

rso | @rso | Jul 21, 2022

In reply to @rso "68Ga-PSMA-11 PET scans This is the newest scan that was approved in March of this year..." + (show)

From Mayo Clinic

scullrower | @scullrower | Jul 21, 2022

In reply to @fuzzyjeepster "My understanding is UCLA has the only two machines in the country. UC Berkley and UC..." + (show)

I don’t know about Berkeley, but UCSF, San Francisco, has the advanced PSMA. I had a great experience at UCLA. I recommend it highly although entrance requirements are a bit stiffer these days.

scullrower | @scullrower | Jul 21, 2022

In reply to @fuzzyjeepster "Yes, I traveled to UCLA and paid out of pocket for a pmsa scan after a..." + (show)

I’m don’t know why your doc would recommend general area radiation when the scan showed a definite problem area. Ask him/her. I had the shorter radiation regimen after PSMA with good results. I also am on Nubeqa.

rso | @rso | Jul 21, 2022

68Ga-PSMA-11 PET scans
This is the newest scan that was approved in March of this year that I am waiting to have scheduled.
I need a more aggressive treatment as I am at a crucial time in my treatment.
Hoping to start RLT in Rochester.

fuzzyjeepster | @fuzzyjeepster | Jul 21, 2022

In reply to @stinkeye "Does anyone know where a PSMA-Pet Scan testing location might be in Arizona. We live in..." + (show)

My understanding is UCLA has the only two machines in the country. UC Berkley and UC Los Angeles.

fuzzyjeepster | @fuzzyjeepster | Jul 21, 2022

Yes, I traveled to UCLA and paid out of pocket for a pmsa scan after a standard Axiom pet scan showed nothing. The psma showed growth in the prostate bed. I am consulting with the radiologist tomorrow morning. He is still recommending 7 1/2 weeks of pelvic floor, plus hormone deprivation, plus lymph node radiation. I am angling for a 5 day treatment of the prostate bed only. Any suggestions?

scullrower | @scullrower | Jul 9, 2022

In reply to @natem "I received a .2 psa, 8 years post RP. My psa went to .3 a few..." + (show)

I think we all have concerns about metastasis that are too small to be seen. You’ve done what needs to be done so far. Get your PSA checked at regular intervals. If you feel the need to do more, get a second opinion. A more aggressive doc might suggest a systemic treatment. If the PSA starts to climb, try to get a PSMA scan before it reaches 1.0 or 2.0 and go from there. In the meantime, live your life to the fullest. These days there are so many options to treat prostate cancer at any stage. Hope.