What is PSMA in cancer?

What is PSMA in cancer?

Prostate cancer cells have high levels of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), but researchers were unsure of its biological role. Now an MSK-led team has discovered that PSMA contributes to prostate cancer's development. This offers a new target for drugs. Highlights. PSMA is a protein in prostate cells.

What is the function of PSMA?

PSMA is a unique cell surface marker, negatively regulated by androgen and extensively used for imaging of hormone refractory carcinomas and metastatic foci. PSMA is a carboxypeptidase with two important enzymatic functions, namely, folate hydrolase and NAALADase.

What is PSMA therapy?

Lutetium-177 PSMA Therapy, also called Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Therapy, is becoming a popular treatment choice for men experiencing advanced prostate cancer with metastatic or treatment-resistant prostate tumors.

Is PSMA same as PSA?

Unlike PSA, which is detected through a blood test, PSMA can be detected with a PSMA PET scan. Biomarker: a characteristic of your cancer that can be measured and give your doctor more information about your cancer.

What is PSMA positive?

REFERENCES. PSMA is a largely prostate-specific transmembrane protein expressed 100- to 1,000-fold higher in prostatic adenocarcinoma than in the benign prostate. 1. Of importance, PSMA expression is increased on androgen deprivation and is highest in high-grade and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

What is PSMA Ligand?

PSMA ligands usually consist of three components: the binding motif, a radiolabel bearing moiety which can be a chelator or a prosthetic group and a linker molecule that connects both binding motif and radiolabel bearing moiety (Fig. 1).

What is PSMA imaging?

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) imaging is a nuclear medicine exam using positron emission tomography (PET) to detect prostate cancer. This scan is investigational and has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What does PSMA avid mean?

Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) Avid Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor.

What is the life expectancy after prostate removal?

Based on the natural history of localized prostate cancer, the life expectancy (LE) of men treated with either radical prostatectomy (RP) or definitive external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) should exceed 10 years.

How much does a PSMA scan cost?

The current out-of-pocket cost for this examination is $700*. Currently, there is no Medicare rebate for PET/CT Ga68-PSMA. Unfortunately, you private health insurance will not cover the expenditure.

What is normal free PSA?

• Free PSA: When total PSA is in the range of 4.0-10.0 ng/mL, a free PSA of less than 10 percent raises the likelihood that prostate cancer is present depending on age; whereas a high free PSA (more than 25 percent) indicates a low risk of prostate cancer, depending on age.

What is a high PSA level?

• A high PSA level indicates some abnormality in the prostate -- possibly cancer, but also any type of prostate infection or prostate enlargement, which occurs in most men after age 50. Even ejaculation within two days of having a PSA test may result in artificially high levels suggesting a "false positive.".

What is abnormal PSA velocity?

• PSA levels under 4 ng/ml are generally considered normal, while levels over 4 ng/ml are considered abnormal. PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/ml indicate a risk of prostate cancer higher than normal.

What does an elevated PSA lab mean?

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, a noncancerous condition such as prostatitis, or an enlarged prostate.