PET Prostate PSMA (ILLUCIX)

What is a PET Scan?
A PET scan is an imaging procedure used to look for disease in the body. It uses imaging agents (like Illucix®) that contain a small amount of radioactive material that can target certain cancer cells. The patient receives a small amount of this radioactive agent, through an IV catheter. There will then be a resting period for 1 hour and then the patient will lie in the PET/CT scanner. The machine captures information from the radioactive material and is combined with a CT to look at anatomy. These images are interpreted by a specially trained radiologist.
 
What is Illucix®?
Illucix® with Galium-68, is an advanced diagnostic imaging agent used for PET/CT imaging of PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) in men with prostate cancer.
 
How does Illucix® work?
Illucix® attaches to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein found on the surface of most—approximately 95%—prostate cancer cells. During the PET scan, Illucix® lights up these proteins wherever they are in the body. This advanced imaging tracer can help your care team make more informed decisions about your treatment path forward.
 
Illucix® side effects
The safety of gallium-68 gozetotide was evaluated in 960 patients, each receiving one dose of gallium-68 gozetotide. No serious adverse reactions were attributed to gallium-68 gozetotide. The most commonly reported adverse reactions were nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness, occurring at a rate of less than 1%.
 
For more information: https://illuccix.com/

Exam Preparation

  • Patients will need to drink 20 oz of water to hydrate prior to the exam. Please come well hydrated as dehydration may affect the results of imaging.
  • All medications may be taken as needed.
  • Please wear clothing that does not have metal.

What to Expect Upon Arrival

  • Your height and weight will be measured and recorded.
  • An intravenous (IV) catheter line will be placed in your arm or similar vein.
  • Next you will receive an injection of Illucix® 1 hour prior to your PET/CT scan.
  • It’ll take approximately 1 hour for Illucix® to circulate through your bloodstream and into any cancer cells that may be present. During this time, you will be seated in a comfortable, quiet, restful area.

During the Procedure

  • After you’ve received your injection of Illucix®, you’ll lie on your back on the scanner bed with your arms raised above your head; a trained PET/CT technologist will be there to help.
  • The scanner bed will move slowly into the scanner and the scan will begin. The scan will be painless.
  • The scan will typically start at your mid-thigh and go all the way up to your head.
  • The scan could last up to 40 minutes, and you will be asked to hold still for the entire scan time.

After Your Scan

  • The results will be sent to your doctor.
  • Be sure to continue to hydrate and go to the bathroom for the first few hours.