A ProstaScint scan uses an injection of low-level radioactive material to test for the spread of prostate cancer .
Prostate Cancer
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This test is given to men who have prostate cancer to see if it has spread to the lymph nodes.
Complications are rare. But, no procedure is free of risk. If you are planning to have a ProstaScint scan, your doctor will review a list of possible complications. These complications may include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the test.
Your doctor may do a bone scan . This is a test that detects areas of increased or decreased bone turnover. It can reveal bone injury or disease.
Before your test:
For the scan, you will be positioned next to a device that takes images.
The radioactive material that was injected into your vein is attracted to prostate cancer cells in the body. Whole body images will be taken to detect areas where the material collects. This is done to find out if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs away from your prostate.
You will be able to leave after the test is done. You can resume normal activities. You may need to return the next day for more images.
1-2 hours
No
Your doctor will review the images. The results will be ready in a few days.
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.ncic.cancer.ca/
References:
How is prostate cancer staged? American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_How_is_prostate_cancer_staged_36.asp . Updated September 4, 2012. Accessed December 13, 2012.
Manyak M. Indium-111 capromab pendetide in the management of recurrent prostate cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther . 2008;8:175-181.
ProstaScint kit (capromab pendetide). EUSA Pharma website Available at http://prostascintimaging.com/assets/pdf/ProstaScintPI.pdf . Updated December 2010. Accessed December 13, 2012.
ProstaScint scan. University Health Care System website. Available at: http://www.universityhealth.org/body.cfm?id=38082 . Accessed December 13, 2012.
ProstaScint scan. University of Virginia Health System website. Available at: http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/clinical/departments/radiology/divisions/nuclear/prostanscint-scan-page . Accessed December 13, 2012.
Last reviewed December 2012 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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