Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among men, affecting roughly 1 in 8 during their lifetime. Early detection through a simple blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been a cornerstone of screening for decades. However, experts now emphasize that for men diagnosed with the disease, a more advanced imaging test—PSMA PET—can provide critical information about whether the cancer has spread, thereby shaping treatment decisions.
Dr. Phillip Koo, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at the Prostate Cancer Foundation, joined forces with patient advocate Bill, who has lived with prostate cancer for 18 years, to answer frequently asked questions about PSMA testing. Their conversation, sponsored by Novartis, highlights the importance of this biomarker in improving outcomes. PSMA, or prostate-specific membrane antigen, is a protein found on the surface of most prostate cancer cells. In over 80 to 90% of patients, this biomarker can be detected via PET imaging, allowing doctors to visualize the extent of the disease anywhere in the body.
“PSMA is so important with regards to detecting disease and also determining the appropriate treatments that patients should receive down the road,” says Dr. Koo. “Knowing your PSMA status is vitally important to your cancer care.”
For Bill, learning about PSMA early in his journey was a turning point. “I’ve always been a person that should take charge, and one of the things I did right after I was diagnosed was seek knowledge,” he recalls. After discovering PSMA in his research, he brought it to his doctor, and together they incorporated the test into their plan. The scan gave him clarity about his disease status and empowered him to take an active role in his care. “Information is power,” Bill asserts. “When you ask the questions and insist upon getting the right answers until you do get them is key to your success.”
The PSMA PET scan is not just a diagnostic tool; it also informs treatment choices. By revealing whether cancer has spread beyond the prostate, it helps guide decisions about surgery, radiation, or systemic therapies. For men with recurrent or advanced disease, PSMA imaging can detect metastases earlier than conventional scans, potentially leading to more timely and targeted interventions.
Despite its benefits, many men are unaware of PSMA testing. Dr. Koo encourages patients to speak up and be heard. “Patients need to go out and learn as much about this as possible, because that’ll allow them to feel empowered to have those conversations,” he advises. He recommends discussing PSA screening with a doctor when appropriate, and for those already diagnosed, asking about PSMA PET imaging.
Bill’s story underscores the value of proactive advocacy. After receiving his PSMA scan results, he and his oncologist crafted a personalized action plan. “I’ve never been a passive participant in this process. I always take an active role,” he says.
For more information about PSMA testing and how to advocate for it, men can visit GetYourScan.com. The site provides resources to help patients understand the scan and discuss it with their healthcare providers.
As prostate cancer continues to affect millions, PSMA PET imaging represents a significant advancement in precision medicine. By enabling more accurate staging and treatment planning, it offers hope for better outcomes and a more personalized approach to fighting this disease.
