PSMA PET Scans
Advanced PSMA-PET Imaging Technology
for Men with Prostate Cancer
Illuccix (kit for the preparation of gallium Ga 68 gozetotide injection) may help your doctor get a more precise image of your prostate cancer.
llluccix is an advanced imaging tracer that is used with a positron emission tomography (PET) scan to detect cancer cells in your body. When you have rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and if you have recurrent or metastatic disease, a PET scan with Illuccix may give your care team additional information to help them better determine an appropriate treatment plan.
How Illuccix Works
Illuccix works by targeting a specific protein that is abundant on prostate cancer called PSMA, “prostate-specific membrane antigen.”
Illuccix attaches to PSMA proteins and during a PET scan, Illuccix lights up these proteins wherever they are in the body. This advanced imaging tracer may help your care team make more informed decisions about your treatment path forward.
The Benefits of a PET scan with Illuccix
• Illuccix may give doctors greater clarity regarding the extent of your prostate cancer and determine your eligibility for PSMA-directed radioligland therapy.
• A better understanding of your prostate cancer may help you and your doctors make more informed decisions about your treatment plan.
• The Illuccix tracer can be prepared on demand which can provide greater flexibility in scheduling your appointment.
• The Illuccix tracer reduces to minimal levels after 6 hours.
Safety and Side Effects
The Illuccix imaging tracer users a small amount of radiation that is in the body for a short amount of time. The use of radiation in medical imaging is quite common. Your care team is trained to use safe handling practices to help minimize any risk.
In clinical studies, the most commonly reported side effects (≥.5%) included fatigue, nausea, constipation, and vomiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Illuccix for?
Scanning with Illuccix may be right for you if:
• You have been diagnosed with recurrent or metastatic prostate cancer
• Your PSA levels are rising after treatment
• You may be a candidate for PSMA-directed radioligand therapy
What is PSMA?
PSMA, which stands for prostate-specific membrane antigen, is abundant on prostate cancer cells, no matter where they are in the body, which makes it a good target for prostate cancer imaging. The discovery of PSMA has led to advances such as PET imaging with Illuccix, which may help your care team make more informed decisions about your prostate cancer care.
How should I prepare for an imaging scan?
Your care team will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for your scan. They will likely tell you to drink plenty of water and avoid exercise 24 hours before your scan. They may also talk to you about certain foods or beverages to avoid before your appointment.
What happens during an imaging scan?
You will receive an intravenous injection about an hour before your scan. During that time, the solution will make its way through your body and attach to any PSMA proteins. Your care team may ask you to drink water so that you can try to urinate right before the scan. During the scan, you’ll be positioned on your back with your hands above your head and instructed to lie still and breathe normally.
What happens after a scan?
You should continue to drink plenty of water and schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss results with your doctor.
How is a PET scan with Illuccix different from conventional imaging technologies?
Depending on the stage of prostate cancer and PSA levels, doctors may recommend different kinds of imaging, including CT, MRI, or bone scan. A PET scan with Illuccix is different from those because it targets the specific PSMA protein, so it may be able to detect cancer when PSA levels are low and when tumors are small or conventional imaging results are uncertain.
About Prostate Cancer
What do rising PSA levels mean?
Rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels may mean you have prostate cancer, that it has come back, or the cancer is spreading. However, rising PSA levels can also be attributed to outside factors like forms of exercise, recent sexual activity, and certain medications. While PSA is not a definitive indicator for the presence of prostate cancer, it is a useful tool to help identify if someone may be at risk for prostate cancer.
How common is prostate cancer?
The American Cancer society estimates there will be over 299,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States in 2024. About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but each man’s risk can vary based on age, race, and other factors.
How treatable is prostate cancer?
The treatability depends on various factors, including the stage at which it is diagnosed, the aggressiveness of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health. 5-year survival rates are nearly 100% when prostate cancer is detected early in and around the prostate region.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. While not common, symptoms of prostate cancer can include:
- Difficulty urinating, including a slow or weak stream or the need to urinate more often
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in the hips, back, or other areas
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
How can I prevent prostate cancer?
There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, however, there are some lifestyle choices that may reduce your risk. These include:
- A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fats, red meat, and processed meats.
- Regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Regular medical check-ups