A PSMA PET/CT scan is a state-of-the-art imaging technique for prostate cancer patients

Our Houston urologists provide patients with access to the most up-to-date diagnostics, including the PSMA-targeted PET/CT imaging. This scan is a breakthrough tool that combines a PSMA, or prostate-specific membrane antigen, with a PET/CT scan. The imaging technique and the radioactive imaging agent, Pylarify® are both safe and FDA-approved.

Why do our Houston urologists recommend this type of scan?

This specialized scan especially benefits patients with a prostate cancer diagnosis who are at risk for metastatic cancer, or cancer that spreads to other areas of the body, and for patients who have elevated PSA levels after having prostate cancer treatment. Our team recommends the PSMA PET/CT scan because it catches cancer that standard imaging techniques may miss, and it’s a more precise and accurate method of localizing prostate cancer cells.

What patients need to know about the prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT scan

Most patients don’t have problems with this type of scan. In some cases, side effects such as fatigue, headache or changes in sense of taste may last a day or two, but most people go home and resume their normal activities. Here’s a brief overview of the procedure.

• Patients should wear comfortable clothing for the test and leave metal objects, such as glasses or jewelry, at home or with a companion at the appointment.
• If a patient is claustrophobic or afraid of needles, they should let the provider know.
• Before the scan, a healthcare provider injects the radioactive tracer through an IV into the bloodstream. The patient waits about an hour to allow the prostate-specific antigen to move throughout the body.
• Once the antigen has had time to circulate, the patient lies on the table for the PET scan. The scan lasts about 30 minutes.
• After the PET scan, your provider performs a CT scan to add even more detailed images to the diagnostic process.
• From start to finish, the PSMA PET/CT scan process takes approximately two hours.

HMU has partnered with the Houston Diagnostic and PET/CT Center to expertly perform PSMA PET/CT scans

Houston Diagnostic and PET/CT Center was established for patients who need specialized imaging services. The facility is certified by the State of Texas and accredited by the American College of Radiology. Experienced nuclear medicine specialists and board-certified radiologists provide our patients with high-quality care. Their team provides us with same-day results for urgent cases and 24- to 48-hour turnaround for routine patient scans. Houston Diagnostic and PET/CT Center is located at 1220 Blalock Rd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77055.

What if the results of the scan are prostate-specific membrane antigen (PMSA) positive?

After the highly trained radiologists at Houston Diagnostic and PET/CT Center review the scans, they send them to our Houston urologists. If the results are PMSA positive, our team meets with patients to determine whether more testing and/or treatment are necessary.

Contact us if you or your family member needs an appointment with our physicians, or to learn more about the PSMA PET/CT scan. As prostate cancer experts, you can trust our team and our partners to provide the compassionate, expert care patients need.