Founder of the renowned Prostate Seed Institute discusses an imaging test for prostate cancer.

Irving, TX – A new test may offer a viable option to help doctors more readily screen for prostate cancer early without the high false positive rate associated with the commonly used prostate-specific antigen blood test. The test uses a PET/CT scan combined with a specific biomarker that helps doctors see if prostate cancer is present.

“Although more study is required before this test might be used on a widespread basis, it is showing a great deal of promise,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at the Prostate Seed Institute. “Early trials show the test was able to detect more lesions than pathologists were able to after a prostate gland was removed and examined.”

Researchers have been working hard to find a suitable replacement for the PSA test over the past few years. The test, although still often used, was taken off the table as a recommended routine screen because of a high false positive rate. False positives may lead to unnecessary biopsies while opening the door for potential side effect risks associated with them. With no replacement yet available for the PSA for routine screening, many doctors still recommend this test as a way to gauge potential prostate health.

Prostate cancer affects an estimated 180,000 American men each year. About 26,000 men die from the disease. Early detection is credited with a relatively low mortality rate associated with this form of cancer, which is why a suitable PSA replacement is being so seriously sought.

“Whether the imaging test will rise to become a routine screen remains to be seen,” says Dr. Echt. “What is clear is that the need for early detection remains very high.”

All men are at risk for the development of prostate cancer over the course of their lifetimes. With that in mind, it is highly recommended men discuss this condition and their personal risks with their healthcare providers.

About The Prostate Seed Institute
The Prostate Seed Institute is one of the country’s leading pioneers in prostate cancer treatment including prostate seed implementation, a fast and painless procedure that effectively treats prostate cancer in its earliest stages. With a team of oncology experts and a state-of-the-art facility, the Prostate Seed Institute provides prostate cancer patients with the most comprehensive treatment available. To see the Procedure Comparison Chart and learn more about the Prostate Seed InstituteCLICK HERE.