Axumin PET Scans: A Breakthrough for Prostate Cancer

Axumin is an FDA-approved, Medicare-covered scan that can achieve early detection of recurrent prostate cancer after surgery or radiation. For years we have been able to detect prostate cancer recurrences with PSA, but standard body and bone scans have been unable to determine the location of the cancer until the PSA level is excessively elevated (10 to 30 or higher).

Axumin can detect recurrent disease with PSA levels less than 10 and sometimes much lower, which is the reason this scan is such an important development. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE > https://www.verywell.com/axumin-pet-scans-for-prostate-cancer-4126111

17 thoughts on “Axumin PET Scans: A Breakthrough for Prostate Cancer

    • Prostate Oncology Post authorReply

      Indication: Axumin® (fluciclovine F 18) injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment. You may find a list of facilities here: https://pcri.org/prostateimaging#axumin

  1. Steve Phelps Reply

    I have not had a prostate cancer diagnosis, only slowly elevating PSA. My current PSA is 5.6. Is the Axium Scan appropriate for Me? (I wanted to avoid biopsy.) Please let Me know.

    • Niv Reply

      If you had any radiation treatment or prostate surgery and your last 2 or3 Psa continues to raise you qualify

      Speak to your oncologist

    • roger Reply

      Steve,

      Please do a biopsy. My PSA was 5.5 and I did the biopsy. Out of 12 samples, 7 contained cancer cells ranging from Gleason score 6, 7, and one at 9. CT scan revealed prostate cancer cells went to a spot on the pelvis. Getting a PET scan next week to see if the cancer cells went anywhere else. Will begin hormone therapy and radiation. Don’t fool around with it! PSA is not the be all indicator. Biopsy is the solution for information.

  2. Steve Phelps Reply

    Where is the Axium Scan offered? A friend said UCLA Med. Center at a cost of $2,000.00. I have Medicare under United Health Care System. Would this be covered? Thanks for Your response.

  3. Prostate Oncology Post authorReply

    There are two different ways to do a prostate biopsy – targeted and random. The random 12-core prostate biopsy is standard and has been in use for over 25 years. Now, since MRI imaging has greatly improved, the number of needle biopsies can be reduced substantially. A couple of cores can be directed at a single target within the gland. There are pros and cons with a targeted biopsy. The first concern is that perhaps 10% of small, high-grade cancers can be missed by modern scanning. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE > https://WWW.VERYWELL.COM/IS-IT-POSSIBLE-TO-SUBSTITUTE-A-SCAN-FOR-PROSTATE-BIOPSY-2782279

  4. Jim G. Reply

    Anthem BC BS, in all its wisdom won’t cover such a scan for me. Post surgery PSA 2.6 then 3.2 one month apart. Will cost $5,500 out of pocket here in Maine. I guess they’d rather pay for random radiation……

  5. Dave Branum Reply

    On January 8th my Random Prostate Biopsy was positive in all quadrants with a PSA level of 64, Gleason score of low 7, 3+4. CAT scan indicated CA cells within the prostate and close margins with no metastasis. Bone scan was clear. Prior to my 2/8/18, Radical Prostectomy, PSA level was 72. Biopsy after surgery raised my Gleason Score to 9. Six weeks after surgery my PSA was 74 with a follow-up test at 82. Both the Bone and CAT Scans were reevaluated having same interpretation.
    With this being such a new test, what are my chances of getting Insurance authorization?

  6. Chris bun Reply

    Is the Axium Scan appropriate for me if my
    PSA is .171

    I heard the Axium scan cant detect below 1 -not sure if that is true

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