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PSMA PET scans are a cutting-edge imaging technique specifically designed to detect prostate cancer with high precision.

Utilizing a radioactive tracer that targets the Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) found on prostate cancer cells, this advanced scan provides detailed, accurate images that help doctors identify cancer spread at its earlier stages.

With its superior sensitivity compared to traditional imaging methods, PSMA PET scans empower patients and healthcare providers with crucial information for more personalized and effective treatment planning.

On average, 76 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every day.

Canadian Cancer Society, 2024

  • Early Detection Of : Prostate Cancer, Tumors
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PSMA PET Scan

A prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography scan - or a PSMA PET scan - is a type of imaging test used primarily to detect prostate cancer.

PSMA is a protein that is often found in high amounts on the surface of prostate cancer cells. The scan involves injecting a small amount of a radioactive tracer that binds to PSMA, allowing doctors to see where prostate cancer cells are located in the body.

PSMA PET scans are more sensitive and specific than traditional imaging methods, like CT or MRI for detecting prostate cancer, especially in cases of recurrent disease or when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Detection and Evaluation of Prostate Cancer

A PSMA PET scan is mainly used to detect and evaluate prostate cancer. It does not treat the cancer directly, but it plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of the disease.
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Detection of Primary Prostate Cancer

Staging of Prostate Cancer

Detection of Recurrent Prostate Cancer

It can help identify the presence of prostate cancer in patients who have high levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or other signs suggesting the disease.
The scan is used to determine the extent of prostate cancer, including whether it has spread (metastasized) beyond the prostate gland to lymph nodes, bones, or other organs.
It is particularly useful for detecting cancer recurrence in patients with rising PSA levels after initial treatment (like surgery or radiation) but where other imaging tests have failed to locate the recurrence.

Benefits of a PSMA PET Scan

The PSMA PET scan offers several significant advantages, especially in the management of prostate cancer.
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How a PSMA PET Scan Works

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Injection of the Radioactive Tracer

A radioactive substance is used, typically gallium-68 or fluorine-18, which is attached to a molecule that binds specifically to Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), a protein found in high amounts on the surface of prostate cancer cells. The tracer is injected into the patient’s bloodstream, usually through an intravenous (IV) line.

Tracer Uptake

The tracer travels through the bloodstream and accumulates in areas with high levels of PSMA, such as prostate cancer cells. The tracer binds to PSMA on the cancer cells, allowing these cells to be highlighted on the scan. There is a short waiting period (usually 30 to 60 minutes) to allow the tracer to circulate and bind to PSMA. During this time, the patient may be asked to rest in a comfortable position.

PET Imaging

The patient is placed in a PET scanner, which is a large, cylindrical machine that detects the radiation emitted by the tracer. The PET scanner detects the gamma rays emitted from the radioactive tracer as it decays and converts this information into detailed images.

Image Reconstruction

The data collected by the PET scanner is processed by a computer to create detailed, 3D images of the areas where the tracer has accumulated. These images show the distribution of PSMA in the body, highlighting areas where prostate cancer cells are present.

Analysis

A radiologist reviews the images to identify and evaluate areas of abnormal tracer uptake. High uptake typically indicates the presence of prostate cancer cells. A report is generated, which helps the treating physician make informed decisions about diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning.
Full body MRI services at Investmed in Calgary

Reasons to Get a PSMA PET Scan

A doctor may recommend a PSMA PET scan for several reasons related to the management of prostate cancer.

Packages

Invest-Med offers thorough health packages designed to meet the individual needs of our patients.

You can choose between a risk-specific package or a comprehensive package to analyze your health and wellbeing.

Our health packages include rapid access to diagnostic testing using state-of-the-art technology, searching for 500+ diseases in the body, including cancer and heart disease.

Each package includes a comprehensive 1 hour physical exam and 1 hour medical review of results with recommendations to achieve optimal health.

Package costs will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Private MRI Health Packages

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Full-Body MRI + Metabolic Blood Panel​

Package starting at $5,699*

A Full-Body MRI proactively searches for 500 diseases lurking inside the body.

This package evaluates of overall metabolic efficiency by analyzing of a comprehensive range of biomarkers.

  • Advanced lipid profiles
  • Insulin resistance
  • Indicators of inflammation
  • Key measures of organ function

All Private MRI packages also include:

  • Physician read results
  • Long term plan of action
  • Ongoing care with referrals

*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Full-Body MRI + Cardiac Blood Panel​

Package starting at $5,699*

A Full-Body MRI proactively scans the entire body to detect up to 500 hidden diseases.

A series of assessments used to evaluate cardiovascular health.

  • Assessment of heart function indicators
  • Measurement of cholesterol levels
  • Measurement of triglycerides
  • Evaluation of key inflammation markers

All Private MRI packages also include:

  • Physician read results
  • Long term plan of action
  • Ongoing care with referrals

*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Full-Body MRI + Hormone Blood Panel

Package starting at $5,699*

A Full-Body MRI scan can identify over 500 potential health conditions within the body.

A comprehensive evaluation of overall hormonal health and balance with an in-depth analysis of key hormones.

  • Thyroid hormones
  • Cortisol and other adrenal hormones
  • Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
  • Insulin levels

All Private MRI packages also include:

  • Physician read results
  • Long term plan of action
  • Ongoing care with referrals

*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Full-Body MRI + All 3 Blood Panels

Packages starting at $6,999*

Customize your testing package with 20+ additional private tests and scans.

All Private MRI packages also include:

  • Physician read results
  • Long term plan of action
  • Ongoing care with referrals

*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Risk-Specific Screening Packages

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Cancer Screening Package

Mitigate your cancer risk with preventive screening.

  • MRI
  • DNA testing – 84 genes for cancer
  • Mole mapping
  • Advanced blood work
  • CT scan
  • Virtual colonoscopy

Proactive testing can detect changes in your body that could become cancer.

*Package prices range from $3,999 to $14,999.
Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Stroke Screening Package

Knowing your risk for stroke can save your life.

  • MRA – Magnetic resonance angiography
  • DNA testing – 83 genes for heart conditions
  • Advanced blood work
  • Carotid doppler ultrasound
  • Echocardiogram

Detect your risk of stroke early, even before symptoms present themselves.

*Package prices range from $3,999 to $14,999.
Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Heart Disease Screening Package

Early screenings are essential for heart disease prevention.

  • Coronary calcium score
  • DNA testing – 83 genes for heart conditions
  • Advanced blood work
  • Exercise stress test
  • Echocardiogram
  • CT coronary angiography

Screening for cardiovascular risk factors before you develop heart disease, can help you prevent it.

*Package prices range from $3,999 to $14,999.
Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Comprehensive Screening Packages

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Comprehensive Screening Package

Get the right screening tests at the right time.

  • Whole body MRI
  • Coronary calcium score
  • DEXA scans
  • Microbiome gut testing
  • Genetic testing+
  • Heart health workup
  • Cancer risk review
  • Mole mapping
  • Screen for all material risks

Prevention is key to longevity, whether or not you are presenting symptoms or risk factors.

*Package prices range from $3,999 to $14,999.
Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Corporate Services

Please contact us for a custom corporate package. Specialized corporate rates available.

  • Comprehensive, proactive health plans
  • Customized screening tests
  • Extensive medical risk assessments
  • Preventive approach to healthcare

Proactively manage executive wellness.

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