Hi all,
My dad was recently diagnosed with stage 5 metastatic prostate cancer with gleason 4+5. We are in a state of shock and trying to figure out the best treatment plan for him. I read online that many people recommended to have the PSMA pet scan done to target correct areas of cancer. However his medical oncologist said it wouldn't help in this case but i'm not sure why that would be the case, can anyone give information regarding this?
Thank you
When one is polymetastatic, there is no point in using radiation, other than palliatively if there is pain. There is no such thing as "targeting metastases" in such cases. There are thousands of metastases, most of which cannot be seen by any type of scan. Think of it as mushrooms under an oak tree instead of weeds in a lawn.
As a relatively new participant in this group (but not to advanced prostate cancer) I’m very appreciative of the informed comments you bring to the discussion. Could you shed any light on whether follow-up PET scans can be useful to identify new metastases when PSA rises after one is diagnosed with oligometastatic disease (with two bone metastases) and treated with SBRT. Is it inevitable that oligometastic disease will become polymetastatic ? Your comment that “there are thousands of metastases, most of which cannot be seen by any scan” prompts this question.
It is unknown at this time whether playing "whack-a-mole" with metastases has any benefit. IMO, if it is safe, why not? But don't stop systemic therapy just because PSA goes down.
Many thanks!
Easily explainable: When the MO doesn't have the answers, please don't pose the questions, he/she feels uncomfortable. Find one that does.
Too early after HIFU for PSMA PET/CT Scan?
PSMA PET SCAN AND PSA
Accuracy of PSMA PET scan?
On Triplicate Therapy, Docetaxel, MO has made no suggestion to do PSMA Scan, CT Scan or MRI to see if treatment is working.
PSMA GALLIUM PET SCAN 
