Can a PSMA PET Scan be used establish the diagnosis of prostate cancer?

PSMA PET scans have -not- been shown to be of significant value in first establishing the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Traditional diagnosis via clinical evaluation, imaging studies, serum markers such as PSA, and biopsy is still the proven method of establishing the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Once the diagnosis is established, your doctor will use several factors (in addition to the above) to establish a risk profile. Depending on that risk profile, PSMA PET scans may then be of value in initial staging. Following treatment, PSMA PET scans can also be of value in detecting and localizing prostate cancer recurrence.