Axumin Scan

[vandy69]

Before beginning Docetaxel chemo, my Med Onc has recommended an Axumin PET scan. Anyone out there had any experience with this latest, greatest scan?

[Dr_WHO]

I had the scan earlier this summer. It is just like a normal CT. The biggest difference is the half life for the radioactive dye is very short. Once the inject you they have about 30 minutes to finish the scan.

[vandy69 in reply to Dr_WHO]

Thanks. Any prep required? I am waiting to have it scheduled.

How was the report?

[Dr_WHO in reply to vandy69]

Nothing special. They told me not to eat the day of the procedure. No metal in your pockets. They inject you while on the table do to the very short half life of the isotope. It is very critical that you get there at least 30 minutes before the scan is to take place, otherwise they have to throw away the dye. Listed bellow is a reference to how to prepare for a standard PET scan. It may be a good template to follow.

radiology.ucsf.edu/patient-...

[vandy69]

Thanks again!

[ctarleton]

Here are some related links:

axumin.com/

biospace.com/News/blue-eart...

[vandy69]

Thanks!

[Hidden]

My husband had one last month and had a C-11 Acetate about 18 months ago. Even though the Axumin dye has a short half life, it is much longer than the C-11 acetate which is probably why it is approved for Medicare and other insurances and the C-11 isn't. The places that offer the Axumin scan are limited so you most likely will have to travel. Results were similar to the C-11 Acetate scan--it mainly showed lymph node mets and one bone met--whereas a traditional bone scan and CT scan in December were clear.

Personally, I don't see how it changes anything unless you are one of the rare people with one or two cancerous spots in a place that can be radiated safely. If you aren't, you are on the same treatment plan (drugs) as someone who didn't have the scan.

[vandy69 in reply to Hidden]

I have been on every known drug for 5 years, had proton beam radiation 6 months ago, and it looked like Docetaxel was next, as PSA was rising. Want to know exactly what we are dealing with to make sure chemo is correct next step. Thanks.