PSMA Testing: A Vital Tool in Prostate Cancer Care

Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among men, affecting roughly 1 in 8, according to Dr. Phillip Koo, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at the Prostate Cancer Foundation. In a recent discussion, Dr. Koo and patient advocate Bill, who has lived with prostate cancer for 18 years, emphasized the critical role of PSMA testing in managing the disease.

Early detection is key, and the first step is a simple blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which has been used for decades. However, for men facing a diagnosis, understanding whether the cancer has spread is vital. This is where PSMA testing comes in. PSMA, or prostate-specific membrane antigen, is a biomarker that can be imaged using a PET scan to determine if prostate cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. Dr. Koo explains that this information is essential for deciding next steps in care.

One of the most compelling reasons to consider PSMA testing is its prevalence: over 80 to 90% of prostate cancer patients express PSMA, making it a reliable target for imaging and treatment. By knowing a patient's PSMA status, doctors can tailor therapies more effectively. As Dr. Koo puts it, “PSMA is so important with regards to detecting disease and also determining the appropriate treatments that patients should receive down the road.”

Bill’s journey illustrates the power of patient advocacy. After his diagnosis, he actively sought knowledge and discovered PSMA testing. He took that information to his doctor, and together they decided to use it as part of their attack plan. “Information is power,” Bill says. “When you ask the questions and insist upon getting the right answers, it is key to your success.”

After receiving his PSMA scan results, Bill and his oncologist crafted a personalized plan of action. He emphasizes that being an active participant in his care gave him a sense of control. For men newly diagnosed or navigating treatment, Bill advises taking an active role and not being a passive participant.

Dr. Koo encourages patients to speak up and be heard. He advises men to educate themselves about PSMA testing so they can have informed conversations with their doctors. “Knowing your PSMA status is vitally important to your cancer care,” he says.

For more information, patients can visit GetYourScan.com, a resource provided by Novartis, to learn about PSMA testing and how to advocate for it in their own care.