Scotland is all set to introduce a new service for improving the detection of advanced prostate cancer.
The technology called prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) scanning which makes use of gallium generators provides the opportunity for more accurate diagnosis of a potential prostate cancer relapse following the initial treatment. With gallium scanning, clinicians can exactly identify the location of recurring tumours, allowing for appropriate treatment.
The service will be funded by NHS Scotland and will be available at four centres across the country, namely, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Tayside, NHS Lothian and NHS Grampian. The service will receive an initial investment of £2 million for procuring the necessary equipment and is expected to be fully functional by spring 2020.
Dr Roger Staff, PET/CT lead for the Scottish Clinical Imaging Network, said: "This is not only a ‘game changer’ for patients with prostate cancer, but the installation of the infrastructure required will future-proof centres and allow new techniques to be introduced faster."
