Better Scans, Better Survival in Prostate Cancer Recurrence

When prostate cancer returns after surgery, many men are treated with salvage radiotherapy (sRT). But before starting this treatment, it’s important to know exactly where the cancer has come back. A special scan called PSMA PET/CT is helping doctors do just that.

This study looked at real-world data from over 800 men in Denmark who had rising PSA levels after prostate surgery—a sign that the cancer might be back. Some of the men had a PSMA PET/CT scan before their radiotherapy. Others did not.

The results showed that those who had the scan lived longer. After five years, 98% of men who had the scan were still alive, compared to 94% of those who didn’t. The scan also helped more men stay free from another rise in PSA.

PSMA PET/CT can find cancer early—even when PSA levels are low. This helps doctors aim the radiotherapy more precisely, which may be why survival is better.

This study shows that having a PSMA PET/CT scan before treatment can make a real difference. It may help more men live longer and keep their cancer from returning.