Information about Prostate Cancer for Urologist: Ga-68 Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Scintigraphy

Recently, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a glutamate carboxypeptidase II enzyme, has transformed intoan excited radiopharmaceutical agent as a result of radiolabeling of small peptides that are developed for the inhibition of this enzyme. Studies performed with Ga-68 PSMA positron emission tomography/computed tomography (CT) scintigraphy revealed an intensive involvement of this agent in prostate cancer itself and in the metastasis of lymph nodes, bones and organs. Positive rates associated with prostate-specific antigen levels were detected in the ratio of approximately 80% especially in patients with biochemical relapse. The sensitivity was found to be better than both CT and magnetic resonance imaging, and F18 choline as well. There are also findings that might be considered as successful for the staging of indication. Lu-177 PSMA might be affective in patients resistant to castration as being specific to prostate cancer.