Panel Discussion – Focus on PSMA

Phillip J. Koo, MD, presented “Panel Discussion – Focus on PSMA​” during the 31st International Prostate Cancer Update in July 2021 in Snowbird, Utah.

How to cite: Koo, Phillip J. “Panel Discussion – Focus on PSMA.” July 2021. Accessed Dec 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/panel-discussion-focus-on-psma/

Panel Discussion – Focus on PSMA

Phillip J. Koo, MD, Division Chief of Diagnostic Imaging and Northwest Region Oncology Physician Executive at the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Phoenix, Arizona, leads a panel discussion focused on PSMA PET-CT’s expanding role in prostate cancer screening and diagnosis. The conversation begins with a look at how PSMA ligands are produced and distributed and what this means for access. Jérémie Calais, MD, MSc, Director of the Clinical Research Program of the Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division of the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology at UCLA, explains the differences between Gallium-68 PSMA-11 and 18F-DCFPyL, noting that the capacity of production and distribution is greater for the latter than the former. He argues, however, that the tracer used does not ultimately matter. E. David Crawford, MD, Professor of Urology at UCSD, observes that there have not actually been any comparative trials of gallium vs. PyL scans, and he suggests that there might be subtle differences in efficacy. Dr. Calais agrees that there is some disparity, but he does not think they are significant enough to affect staging or clinical management decisions. The discussion continues with a brief consideration of PSMA’s potential in theranostics and a look at whether PSMA scans can be trusted without confirmation from biopsy. Dr. Crawford notes that while biopsies are important and should be obtained when possible, as trust grows in the PSMA scans they may become less necessary. Dr. Calais and Dr. Koo then consider the potential for PSMA tests to be reimbursed, observing that they are not yet covered by Medicare but that there is a potential that they will be covered by insurance relatively soon. Dr. Crawford then asks whether the older CT and bone scans will be replaced by scans like PSMA, and the panelists conclude that they inevitably will but that costs will make this shift take some time.   

About The 31st Annual International Prostate Cancer Update:

The International Prostate Cancer Update (IPCU), founded in 1990, is a multi-day CME conference focused on prostate cancer treatment updates with expert, international faculty. It is led by expert physicians and is designed for urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Dr. Koo delivered this educational activity during the 31st iteration of the meeting in July 2021 in Snowbird, Utah.