ProstaScint Scan

(Monoclonal Antibody Scan, Capromab Pendetide Scan)

Definition

Definition

A ProstaScint scan uses an injection of low-level radioactive material to test for the spread of prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Test

Reasons for Test

This test is given to men who have prostate cancer to see if it has spread to the lymph nodes or other areas.

Possible Complications

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

  • Changes in the levels of bilirubin (a waste product) in the blood
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Allergic reaction

What to Expect

What to Expect

Prior to test

Your doctor may do a bone scan. This is a test that detects areas of increased or decreased bone turnover. It can reveal bone injury, bone disease, or cancer spread to the bones.

Before your test:

  • You will come in 4-5 days before the scan for an injection of radioactive isotope into your vein.
  • Follow your doctor’s advice for cleaning out your bowel. You may need to take a laxative or enema the night before.
  • You may need to have your bladder emptied of urine by a urine catheter.

Description of the Test

For the scan, you will be positioned next to a device that takes images.

The radioactive material that was injected into your vein is attracted to prostate cancer cells in the body. Whole body images will be taken to detect areas where the material collects. This is done to find out if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs away from your prostate.

After Test

You will be able to leave after the test is done. You can resume normal activities. You may need to return the next day for more images.

How Long Will It Take?

1-2 hours

Will It Hurt?

No

Results

Your doctor will review the images. The results will be ready in a few days.

Call Your Doctor

Call Your Doctor

Call if you have any questions or concerns. If you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org

National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca

Prostate Cancer Canada http://www.prostatecancer.ca

References:

How is prostate cancer staged? American Cancer Society website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/detailedguide/prostate-cancer-staging
Updated September 12, 2014. Accessed September 25, 2014.

Manyak M. Indium-111 capromab pendetide in the management of recurrent prostate cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2008;8:175-181.

ProstaScint scan. University Health Care System website. Available at:
http://www.universityhealth.org/body.cfm?id=38082
Accessed September 25, 2014.

ProstaScint scan. University of Virginia Health System website. Available at:
http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/clinical/departments/radiology/divisions/nuclear/prostanscint-scan-page
Updated May 4, 2014. Accessed September 25, 2014.

Last reviewed August 2014 by Mohei Abouzied, MD
Last Updated: 9/30/2013

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