The advocacy group links below can connect you to other men with prostate cancer.

Many others have experienced what you're going through, and it may be helpful to speak with them.

Speaking up and asking for help can change your journey.

All organizations listed are independent from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Novartis has no financial interest in any organization listed although it does purchase media placements with some of these organizations and may provide occasional funding support to these organizations for their work. All descriptions are copyrights of the respective organizations. Novartis is not responsible for the actions of any of these organizations. Novartis does not endorse or recommend any organization and makes no representation as to the accuracy or any other aspect of the information supplied by these organizations or contained in these websites; this list is provided for informational purposes only.

Have questions? You’re not alone. The questions and answers below address common concerns shared by patients and care partners.

Q: What is PSMA?
A: PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) is a biomarker found on prostate cancer cells: not only cells in the prostate but also cells that have spread beyond the prostate. PSMA can also be found in normal prostate cells, but PSMA levels are up to 1000 times higher in prostate cancer cells. When you get a PSMA test called a PSMA-PET (positron emission tomography) scan, your doctor can see if and where your cancer has spread and determine treatment options.

Q: How do I find out my PSMA status?
A: Ask your doctor about a PSMA-PET scan. More than 80% of men with prostate cancer have higher levels of PSMA, meaning they are PSMA-positive (PSMA+), so you may be too. Being PSMA+ means having abnormally high levels of the PSMA biomarker on the cancer cells; this can be visualized with the PSMA-PET scan. If a person is PSMA+, their doctor can use the test to see if, and where, cancer has spread and determine treatment options.

Q: Why does PSMA matter?
A: PSMA testing matters because it can help determine if and where prostate cancer has spread in a person’s body and what treatment options may be available. PSMA is a biomarker found on prostate cancer cells––not only cancer cells in the prostate but also cancer cells that have spread beyond the prostate. A PSMA test, which is a PSMA-PET scan, can show you and your doctor if and where your cancer has spread and what treatments you may be eligible for.

Q: Why is it important to know my PSMA status?
A: Knowing your PSMA status is important so you and your health care team can be informed about if you are eligible for certain tests and treatments. More than 80% of men with prostate cancer have higher levels of PSMA, or are PSMA-positive (PSMA+). So, if you have high levels of PSMA, then the PSMA test (also known as a PSMA-PET scan) may show that you are PSMA+.

Q: Is PSA different from PSMA?
A: PSA is a protein found in blood that is measured through a simple blood test. This test can be used for screening prostate cancer, as well as monitoring throughout the treatment process. The test provides a numeric result that helps the doctor make treatment decisions.

PSMA is a biomarker that may be found on prostate cancer cells and is measured through a scan of your body. If higher levels of PSMA are present, the result is an image that shows if and where the cancer has spread.

PSA and PSMA tests are different; doctors test for PSA at the time of diagnosis and monitor its levels throughout treatment. On the other hand, PSMA-PET scans may be requested after a diagnosis of prostate cancer has been made to determine next steps or during ongoing monitoring when PSA levels are rising.

Q: What is PSA?
A: PSA is a protein found in the blood that is measured through a simple blood test. The test provides a numeric result that, if elevated, may indicate that cancer may be present in the body.

Q: How can I ask my doctor about getting a PSMA-PET scan?
A: At your next appointment, ask your doctor about a PSMA test, also known as a PSMA-PET scan, to learn about all your options for advanced prostate cancer.

Sometimes it can be hard to know the right questions to ask your doctor. See our Doctor Discussion Guide for information on talking to your doctor about getting a PSMA-PET scan.

Q: How do I get a PSMA-PET scan?
A: Talk to your doctor about getting a PSMA-PET scan. Your doctor will refer you to an imaging center. Your health care provider will inform you about how to prepare for the scan as well as the next steps. Before the scan, you will receive an injection with a radioactive tracer that highlights PSMA. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water before and after your scan.

Q: Does the PSMA-PET scan have side effects?
A: No serious side effects have been reported in clinical studies with PSMA-PET scans. You may be monitored for hypersensitivity reactions. A PSMA-PET scan involves exposure to small amounts of radioactivity, and your health care team will inform you about the risks of long-term cumulative radiation exposure. The most common side effects reported with different PSMA-PET tracers in 1% or more of patients included fatigue, headache, and unusual taste in the mouth.

Q: What can a PSMA-PET scan tell me about my prostate cancer?
A: If a person is PSMA positive, a PSMA-PET scan can show the location of the prostate cancer and how far it has spread as well as help their doctor determine treatment options.

You may come across terms that aren’t familiar to you. Below are definitions of some terms that you may find useful.

Advanced prostate cancer: Prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate. It is also known as metastatic prostate cancer.

Biomarker: A biomarker is something that can provide information about specific health conditions including detecting, monitoring, or treatment selection. PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) is a biomarker found on prostate cancer cells, including those that may have spread beyond the prostate.

Metastasis: Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): PSA is a protein found in the blood that is measured through a simple blood test. The test provides a numeric result that helps indicate whether prostate cancer may be present in the body.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA): PSMA is a biomarker found on prostate cancer cells, not only cells in the prostate but also cells that have spread beyond the prostate. Note that PSMA can also be found in normal prostate cells, but PSMA levels are up to 1000 times higher in prostate cancer cells. So, when you take a PSMA test called a PSMA-PET scan, your doctor can see if and where your cancer has spread and determine treatment options.

Protein: Tools used by cells to carry out their functions. Proteins can also be biomarkers and targets of treatments. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein in the blood that may signal presence of prostate cancer if its levels are elevated. On the other hand, PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) is a biomarker found on prostate cancer cells, including those that have spread beyond the prostate.

PSMA-PET scan: An advanced scanning technique approved by the FDA in 2020. PSMA-PET scan can show if and where prostate cancer has spread. The result is an image of the body.

PSMA status: PSMA status can be either positive or negative. More than 80% of men with prostate cancer have higher levels of PSMA, meaning they are PSMA-positive (PSMA+), so you may be too. 

If you have high levels of PSMA, then the PSMA test (also known as a PSMA-PET scan) may show that you are PSMA+. 

Knowing your PSMA status is important because, if you are PSMA+, your doctor can see if and where the cancer has spread and help determine treatment options.

FDA, US Food and Drug Administration; PET, positron emission tomography; PSA, prostate-specific antigen; PSMA, prostate-specific membrane antigen.