ProstaScint® is an imaging agent that can help locate prostate cancer.  Before it is used, ProstaScint® is combined with a small amount of radioactive material called Indium.  As ProstaScint® passes through your body, it will attach to areas where prostate cancer cells may be located. These areas will be visible to a special camera, called a gamma camera, which can detect the small amount of radiation given off by the Indium. Using this equipment, pictures or images will be produced that reveal disease areas that may not show up on other types of diagnostic tests.

The advantage of this test is that it has the potential to detect spread of prostate cancer to bone, lymph nodes, and other organs and can distinguish prostate cancer from other cancers and benign disorders.

The disadvantage of this test is the lack of specificity, meaning that it often suggests spread when there is none. The ProstaScint® scan is usually not used to stage the cancer before initial treatment. It may be more useful after treatment, in cases where it is thought that the cancer has come back (recurrence).

When ProstaScint® is given to you; it contains a small amount of radioactive material to make it possible for special cameras to detect it within the body.  This small amount of radioactive material should not cause you any harm.

4 Days Before Your Scan: First Injection

The ProstaScint® scan takes place in 2 parts. Four days before your scan you will receive an injection of ProstaScint®. A Nuclear Medicine technologist will administer the injection and monitor you during and after the injection.

There are usually no unpleasant reactions and you can continue your normal activities including eating and drinking.

1 Day Before Your Scan

The day before your scan you will be asked to begin a clear liquid diet, followed by an oral laxative in the evening.  You will receive specific instructions with a prescription.

The morning of the session you will be instructed to continue a liquid diet. Please talk to your doctor regarding any medications you take on regular basis.

Immediately before the scan you will be asked to empty your bladder. This is done to give the Nuclear Medicine physician a clearer picture to examine. The presence of urine or stool can make it hard to see areas on which the specialist needs to focus.

The Day of Your Scan: Second Injection

You will receive a second intravenous injection in your arm on this day. Then, the imaging will start. This process usually takes 2-3 hours.

A Nuclear Medicine technologist will position you under a special camera and take a number of different images.

A Second Scan

For about 25% of patients, a second imaging session (on the 6th or 7th day) may be necessary. This will depend on results of initial images.

After the Scan

ProstaScint® is generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions are increased levels of bilirubin in the blood, elevated blood pressure or low blood pressure.

These reactions were reported to occur in less than 1% of patients.  It is very unlikely that you will experience any symptoms.

After a ProstaScint® infusion you will be able to resume your normal daily activities. A ProstaScint® infusion will have no effect on your sexual function.