PET Prostate PSMA (PYLARIFY)

Compared to conventional imaging, a PET/CT scan with PYLARIFY® (piflufolastat F 18) injection provides you and your doctor a clearer image of where the prostate cancer is and helps your doctor make more informed treatment choices.

 

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 PYLARIFY®) 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 PYLARIFY®?

PYLARIFY® is an advanced diagnostic imaging agent used with PET/CT scans to find tumors in the prostate, lymph nodes, bones, and other organs, typically better than other types of imaging scans.

 

How does PYLARIFY® work?

PYLARIFY® attaches to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein found on the surface of most—approximately 95%—prostate cancer cells. By targeting PSMA, PYLARIFY® can give your doctor a clear image and additional information on the location and extent of the cancer. PYLARIFY® uses a radioactive tracer called fluorine-18, or 18F, which helps create a clear and more detailed PET/CT scan image for your doctor.

 

IN CLINICAL TRIALS, PYLARIFY® WAS WELL TOLERATED

Side effects of PYLARIFY® were minor and rare. The most common side effects were headache (2% of patients), unusual taste (2% of patients), and fatigue (1% of patients). In addition, a hypersensitivity reaction was reported in 1 patient (0.2%) with a history of allergic reactions.

 

For more information: https://www.pylarify.com/

Exam Preparation

  • Patients will need to drink 20 oz of water to hydrate prior to their exam
  • No fasting is required.
  • All medications may be taken as needed.
  • Please wear clothing that does not have metal.

What to Expect Upon Arrival

  • Your weight and height 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 PYLARIFY® 1 hour prior to your PET/CT scan
  • It’ll take approximately 1 hour for PYLARIFY® 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, resting area

During the Procedure

  • After you’ve received your injection of PYLARIFY®, 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