UCLA is expanding access to the Ga-68-PSMA-11 PET scan

[Tall_Allen]

They have announced expanded access to the PET scan until the FDA approves it, hopefully by this summer. The PET scan is available to all patients with diagnosed prostate cancer. The prices differ slightly according to the patient's current situation. The current wait time for appointments is 2-3 weeks.

Expanded Access Protocol (out-of-pocket cost = $2,977)

• Recurrent after prostatectomy (PSA≥0.2) or prostate radiation (PSA≥ nadir+2.0)

• Patients with a intermediate–risk or high–risk or locally advanced diagnosis, planning on prostatectomy

"Bucket" Protocol (out-of-pocket cost = $2,784)

• Newly diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, any risk category, planning on radiation or any other treatment

• Patients with Nodal (N1) or distant metastases (M1) who aren't planning prostatectomy

• Recurrent after ablation therapy (e.g., HIFU, Tulsa, cryo, FLA, etc.)

See the following for contact details:

clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show...

[6357axbz]

FYI, Dr. E told me the PSA threshold for an effective scan is 0.5.

[Tall_Allen in reply to 6357axbz]

It has a 40-60% detection rate at a PSA of 0.2-0.5, higher if your PSADT is rapid.

[6357axbz in reply to Tall_Allen]

Does detection rate increase above 0.5? What constitutes a rapid PSADT?

[Tall_Allen in reply to 6357axbz]

Yes, detection rate increases with increasing PSA.

No firm dividing line on PSADT, but <6 months is certainly rapid by most people's definition.

[compiler]

Allen:

Speaking of UCLA, any idea where Chris King went?

[Tall_Allen in reply to compiler]

I'll give you his email

[V10fanatic]

I'm scheduled to fly in for one in a couple of weeks. It will be very interesting to see how it compares to my Axumin scan....

[JDKotter]

Tall Allen, I had the Axium scan in early Jan 2019. Which showed uptake only in the prostate bed area. I had Radiation in June of 19 and now on lupron and Zytiga until at least Feb 2021.

I’m assuming this scan at UCLA would not be beneficial for me since my PSA is undetectable?

My RO gave me a 30% chance that the radiation would cure me. If that’s the case, would I then pursue the PSMA scan if I reach castrate residence level?

I’m also developing gynomastia which is depressing to say the least. I was thinking of having gyno surgery but not sure how long to wait? Prob after I finish the lupron and Zytiga?

Thank you for your advice?

[Tall_Allen in reply to JDKotter]

No point in a PET scan unless your PSA rises over 2.0 after your ADT wears off.

If your gynecomastia is recent, you may still be able to reverse it with 20 mg daily tamoxifen. Email this to your doctor:

clinical-genitourinary-canc...

If not recent, cortisone injections into the breast tissue may dissolve it.

[JDKotter in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank You! You are a wealth of info and we all appreciate you sharing your knowledge and your accessibility