Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among men, with roughly 1 in 8 men facing a diagnosis during their lifetime. While the PSA blood test has long been a cornerstone of early detection, a newer imaging technique called PSMA PET scanning is emerging as a critical tool for determining the extent of the disease. In a recent discussion, Dr. Phillip Koo, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and Bill, a patient living with prostate cancer for 18 years, shed light on frequently asked questions about PSMA testing and why it matters.
Dr. Koo emphasized the prevalence of prostate cancer and the importance of early screening. "Unfortunately, prostate cancer is very common and affects roughly 1 in 8 men, that’s why early screening and detection is so important," he noted. The initial screening typically involves a simple blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which has been used for decades to detect the disease early. However, once a diagnosis is made, determining whether the cancer has spread is crucial for deciding on the most effective treatment plan. This is where PSMA testing comes into play.
PSMA, or prostate-specific membrane antigen, is a protein found on the surface of most prostate cancer cells. Using a PET scan, doctors can visualize PSMA-positive lesions throughout the body, revealing if the cancer has metastasized. "PSMA is a biomarker that can be imaged using PET to determine if the prostate cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, which is vital to determining your next steps for care," explained Dr. Koo. He added that over 80% to 90% of prostate cancer patients express this biomarker, making it a highly relevant target for imaging and therapy.
Bill shared his personal journey, recounting how he proactively sought information after his diagnosis. "I've always been a person that should take charge, and one of the things I did right after I was diagnosed 18 years ago with prostate cancer was seek knowledge," he said. When he learned about PSMA testing, he brought it to his doctor, and together they incorporated it into his treatment strategy. The scan gave him clarity about his disease status, which he described as empowering. "It helped me understand truly where I am in this journey and the status of our [cancer] based on the PSMA results, and knew it was going to give me a leg up on moving forward with treatments," Bill recounted.
After receiving his PSMA scan results, Bill and his oncologist reviewed the findings and crafted a personalized action plan. He stressed the importance of being an active participant in one's healthcare, stating, "Information is power, and when you ask the questions and insist upon getting the right answers you want until you do get them is key to your success." This sentiment echoes Dr. Koo's advice for patients and doctors to collaborate on whether PSMA testing is appropriate. "Patients need to speak up, and they also need to be heard," Dr. Koo said. "They need to go out and learn as much about this as possible, because that'll allow them to feel empowered to have those conversations, because knowing your PSMA status is vitally important to your cancer care."
For men seeking more information, Dr. Koo and Bill directed them to GetYourScan.com, a resource that explains what the PSMA scan entails and how to advocate for it with healthcare providers. This educational initiative, sponsored by Novartis, aims to empower patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their prostate cancer care.
The importance of PSMA testing extends beyond diagnosis; it also guides treatment selection. By identifying the extent of the disease, doctors can better decide if treatments like surgery, radiation, or newer targeted therapies are appropriate. With its high sensitivity and specificity, PSMA PET is transforming the management of prostate cancer, offering hope for more personalized and effective care. As Dr. Koo concluded, "Knowing your PSMA status is vitally important to your cancer care."
