The indications include:

• Assessment of tumor spread in high-risk patients (staging).

• Clarification in case of suspected recurrence after primary therapy.

• Follow-up in the context of systemic therapy (e.g. anti-hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and PSMA ligand therapy).

• What should be brought to the examination?

  • Current kidney test results (creatinine) and thyroid laboratory parameters (TSH).

  • Results of preliminary examinations and treatments (e.g. PSA levels, Reports on previous operations, etc.) in copy, if available.

  • Previous images (e.g. CT, MRI or PET/CT preliminary examinations) if possible on CD/DVD or access to corresponding online portals, if available.

• Before carrying out the examination, no special preparation is necessary, prior food intake is possible.

• If you are taking metformin (diabetes) and have impaired kidney function, you should pause metformin on the day of the examination.

• Please inform us in advance of the examination if you suffer from severe claustrophobia.

• Including waiting time, please schedule about 2 to 3 hours for the entire examination.

• If you are unable to attend the scheduled examination, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance.

To begin with, there is a medical consultation about the examination. Then the weakly radioactively labeled drug (PSMA ligand) will be administered intravenously. If necessary, you will be given a diuretic medication for faster excretion of the substance. This is followed by a waiting period during which the radioactively labelled substance can spread throughout your body.

Subsequently the image-recordings are made (approx. 20 to 30 minutes waiting time).

After completion of the examination, the results will be discussed with you.

Due to the use of a very small amount of radiopharmaceutical, no pharmacological side effects have been described for this examination.

In rare cases, allergic reactions to the X-ray contrast agent may occur during the PET/CT examination. If a contrast agent allergy is known, we ask for early notification before the start of the examination (please bring an allergy passport if available). If necessary, the examination can also be carried out without X-ray contrast agent or after prior premedication (observe unfitness to drive).

In addition, the PET/CT examination is connected to radiation exposure. Thus, the examination is carried out only according to strict indications. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our medical colleagues.

• Private health insurance companies usually cover the costs of the PSMA-PET/CT examination.

• For patients with a public health insurance, the costs of the examination are not regularly reimbursed. But it is possible to submit an application for reimbursement to your health insurance company. We will be happy to help you with this.

• In addition, it is possible to carry out the PSMA-PET/CT as an individual health service. We can provide you with a cost estimate.

• If you have any further questions regarding meeting the costs, please do not hesitate to contact our colleagues in nuclear medicine any time via e-mail or telephone at +49 .89 . 550 596 720.