Best test to detect low levels of PSA?

janem123

Regular Member

Joined : Feb 2012

Posts : 50

Posted 6/25/2012 9:38 PM (GMT 0)

Sorry to post again, but I have so many questions following today's visit to the doctors. I can't quite get my head around it all.

We have been referred to have an MRI scan following PSA increase from 0.1 to 0.4, 5 months following RARP. Surely the levels of PSA are too low to be detected?

Is the C11 choline PET scan a more reliable test? It seems that some people say they wish they had waited before starting crapshoot radiotherapy to see if their PSA could become detectable by C11 choline test at 1, thereby making the scan results more focussed. But obviously waiting also means that the cancer cells have more time to spread from the prostate bed. A conundrum.

Also does anyone know of any doctors in the UK who use the C11 choline PET scan? We would like a second opinion from a doctor who is up-to-date with the latest advances!

Thanks so much.

BOOGEE

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2012

Posts : 743

Posted 6/25/2012 10:52 PM (GMT 0)

janem123,

I think you might be confused about this pet-scan with determining your PSA, which is found in a blood test.
The C11 pet scan may be effective in finding cancer that has spread to the bone and lymph nodes in patients with PCa. It is ultra-sensitve where a conventional MRI may not pick up mets.

Read stats below: My husband had the F-18 pet scan where an isolated met to his spine, was found, that the conventional CT scan did not find.
Hopefully someone in the UK will chime in with who may have these tests available.
Do you have teaching hospitals that offer clinical studies? They are done here at no cost if you qualify.

Good luck,

BOOGEE

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