Prostate cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 men, making early detection and informed decision-making critical. In a recent educational initiative sponsored by Novartis, Dr. Phillip Koo, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and Bill, a patient living with prostate cancer for 18 years, addressed common questions about PSMA testing—a biomarker-based PET scan that can reveal whether prostate cancer cells have spread.
Dr. Koo emphasized that the traditional PSA blood test remains a cornerstone of screening, but PSMA imaging offers a more detailed picture. "PSMA is a biomarker that can be imaged using PET to determine if the prostate cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, which is vital to determining your next steps for care," he explained. Since over 80-90% of prostate cancer patients express PSMA, this test can guide appropriate therapies at the right time.
Bill, who has navigated his prostate cancer journey for nearly two decades, shared how he took an active role after diagnosis. "I've always been a person that should take charge, and one of the things I did right after I was diagnosed was seek knowledge," he said. He discovered PSMA testing through his own research and brought it to his doctor, leading to a more targeted attack plan. After receiving his PSMA scan results, Bill and his oncologist crafted a plan of action, underscoring his belief that "information is power."
The discussion also highlighted the importance of patient-doctor collaboration. Dr. Koo advised patients to speak up and educate themselves, as knowing one's PSMA status is "vitally important to your cancer care." He encouraged men to visit GetYourScan.com for comprehensive information on PSMA testing and how to advocate for it.
This educational content, sponsored by Novartis, aims to empower patients with knowledge about PSMA testing, which can significantly impact treatment decisions and outcomes. By understanding the extent of their disease, patients can work more effectively with their healthcare team to choose the best path forward.
