Keywords:
Oncology, Pelvis, PET, Audit and standards, Outcomes
Authors:
R. Smith, M. Winkel, J. Filby, G. Evans, S. Antoniou, P. Smith, S. Pridgeon; Cairns/AU
DOI:
10.1594/ranzcr2018/R-0104
Purpose
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a cell surface protein with considerable overexpression on most prostate cancer cells.
68Ga-PSMA-PET is an emerging imaging modality that is highly sensitive and specific for detecting prostate cancer when compared to current standard imaging (CT,
MRI and bone scintigraphy).
Most published data has reported performance characteristics with little data on clinical utility,
especially in a regional setting.
Cairns Hospital is the largest major hospital in Far North Queensland.
Public patients suitable for PSMA-PET travel 1800 kilometers to The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital,
requiring flights and sometimes overnight accomodation depending on appointment availability.
This represents a significant cost to both the patient and health system.
Selection of patients for PSMA-PET is therefore both a clinical decision and cost-benefit driven.