What to expect from PSMA-PET scans after prostate cancer returns?

PSMA-PET scans are becoming an important tool for detecting prostate cancer recurrence and can provide detailed information about cancer location to help oncologists plan targeted treatment approaches. Many community members have found these scans helpful for getting clearer answers about their cancer status, and sharing experiences about the scanning process and how results influenced treatment decisions could provide valuable insights for others facing similar situations.

I completely agree that PSMA-PET scans can be really helpful for getting clearer answers about recurrence - you might also want to ask your oncologist about the timing and how the results could impact your treatment timeline, since that helped me feel more prepared for the next steps.

The PET scan I received showed lymph node involvement in my pelvis, abdominals and neck very small spots but there nonetheless. Oncologist recommended ADT only at this point PSA <.01 so it’s working so far after 18 months. Prostate removed in 2008 so living with it for 18 years now.

I was scheduled to do robotic surgery to remove my prostate cancer, but I started insisting on a PET scan to find out if it spread and to where. Prior to requesting the scan, he had told me that if he went in and found it in 15 lymph nodes out of 15 that he would take, then not good, but if it was only in 3-4 lymph nodes, I had a good chance. Turns out I had Stage 4"a" cancer (Gleason 9 high risk aggressive kind), BUT... with the scan, I found out, indeed, it was only in the 3-4 lymph nodes and the seminal tube, so therefore, it had metastasized (not local), but was still "regional" and not distant, so the PET scan helped tremendously on my chances, odds and treatment plan. I cancelled the surgery as my other Oncologist indicated no good surgeon would do surgery on you knowing you had to get radiation anyways and the surgeon agreed with that statement and my treatment plan of 25 radiation treatments, Abiraterone (2 years) Prednisone (temporary) & Eligard. I did end up with some side effects, but I can live with those compared to the alternative, but always make an "informed decision" and know the consequences of surgery, radiation and hormone treatments as each has cons and very potential and some possible/probable long term side effects too. Make sure the Doctors inform you. I hope this info helps. Good luck and best wishes to ya. Fight the fight! I'm here 4 years plus later now, and so far, no signs of cancer via PSA (0.35) as well as a recent CT scan for diverticulitis, just so happened to also pick up my prostate on the same scan, and it stated prostate present. By them stating that in that manner, basically also meant no signs of any previous tumor there!

The infusion is simple and easy. They don’t take too long and provide a lot of information on spread and other information on what is going on in your body not even related to the cancer. I highly advise you get them. Will help Dr. with his/her plan of action.

Right now, the PSMA-PET is the best scan on the market. The radioactive tracer they inject is strongly attached to the PSMA molecule present on most prostate cancer cells. Looking at the scan results, the prorate cancer really stand out (also heard it called “lights up”). There are usually spots that light up but with much lower brightness. I’ve had several PSMA-PET scans. Each one was critical to decide which direction my treatment should go.

I completely understand your worries. Many people here have taken the PSMA-PET scan after recurrence. The scan can spot tiny lesions that regular imaging often misses. wishing you clear results, and hope you can figure out a suitable treatment plan afterward.