First indirect evidence that PSMA PET/CT surpasses conventional imaging in detecting occult prostate cancer spread (“Game changer” now available)

Medical Xpress / University of California, Los Angeles / JAMA Network Open ^ | Dec. 13, 2021 | Dr. Amar Kishan, et al

[ConservativeMind]

Researchers led a large international study providing what is believed to be the first evidence (albeit indirect) that a recently approved imaging technique improves risk-stratification and long-term prognostic capabilities for patients with high-risk prostate cancer whose conventional imaging showed only localized disease.

"Our findings also suggest that previously undetected, non-localized disease may be the primary driver of outcomes in this high-risk population," said Dr. Amar Kishan

Although early experience with PSMA PET/CT indicates it can detect low-volume, non-localized prostate cancer that is not seen with conventional imaging, direct, prospective evidence of its prognostic value is still several years away because clinical use of the technique has been available in the United States less than a year, said Kishan,

The study evaluated the prognostic significance of the PSMA nomogram (and, by proxy, PSMA PET/CT itself) on long-term, clinically meaningful endpoints, including distant metastasis, prostate cancer-specific mortality, and overall survival.

The primary study included a cohort of 5,275 patients with high-risk or very high-risk prostate cancer, based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria. The patients were treated at 15 centers between 1995 and 2018 using radiation or surgery. In statistical analyses, the PSMA nomogram was significantly prognostic of all clinical endpoints, regardless of treatment type.

Nomogram risk was significantly prognostic in age-related regression analyses.

"PSMA PET is now part of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines as a replacement of other front-line imaging tools. With insurance coverage, this game-changer technology will ultimately become part of the routine staging of prostate cancer patients," said Calais.

[ConservativeMind]

PSMA PET scans with this tracer appear to be much better at detecting prostate cancer locations than all other methods.

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List

This potentially high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to implement for your benefit.

Please email or private message me if you want on or off of this list.

[Deaf Smith]

Last sentence of the thread excerpt...

"with insurance coverage"

I would guess that this approved imaging is very cost prohibited for a patient unless there is a insurance company that will agree to pay for the cost...with a co-pay for sure.

[ConservativeMind]

Current Cost of UCLA GA68 PET-PSMA Scan:

https://healthunlocked.com/advanced-prostate-cancer/posts/143566721/current-cost-of-ucla-ga68-pet-psma-scan

[reintarnation]

No medicare coverage.
No Humana coverage.
Cash cost is $15,000 at Huntsman in Salt Lake City, if I recall correctly.

[Deaf Smith]

$2784 out of pocket two years ago at UCLA which another poster on that thread said was best price in the country at that time.

That was the only cost given in that thread.