Description
Why It’s Done
This scan is typically performed in the following situations:
• Initial staging of newly diagnosed high-risk prostate cancer
• Detection of recurrence in patients with rising PSA levels after treatment (e.g., surgery, radiation)
• Monitoring response to therapy (e.g., hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radioligand therapy)
• Evaluating suspected metastatic or residual disease
• Comparing to previous scans to assess treatment effectiveness or disease progression
Comparing with prior scans allows for a more accurate assessment of:
• New lesions
• Changes in known metastases
• Reduction or growth of tumor activity
Preparation
To ensure accurate and safe imaging results, please follow these instructions:
1. Fasting:
• No strict fasting is typically required, but some centers may recommend 4 hours of fasting before the scan.
• Water is allowed and encouraged before and after the scan.
2. Medications:
• Continue your regular medications, unless advised otherwise by your physician.
• Bring a current list of all your medications.
3. Hydration:
• Drink plenty of water before the scan to help with tracer distribution and after the scan to help flush the tracer from your system.
4. Physical Activity:
• Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours prior to the scan, as it may affect scan accuracy.
5. Clothing & Personal Items:
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes without metal (e.g., zippers, snaps, belts).
• You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• Remove all jewelry and metallic objects before the scan.
6. Previous Imaging:
• Bring prior PET, CT, or MRI reports and images (if done at another facility), or ensure they are available for comparison.
• Inform the facility of where and when previous imaging was performed.
7. Inform Your Doctor If:
• You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• You have renal issues or known allergies, especially to any prior radiotracers (though reactions to F-18 PSMA are rare)
