Guadalupe Regional Medical Center now offers Illuccix (kit for the preparation of gallium Ga 68 gozetotide injection), a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeted positron emission tomography (PET) imaging tracer for the detection of prostate cancer. This innovative technology is now available for identifying and locating prostate cancer in men whose cancer may have spread to other parts of the body and may need initial therapy, or whose cancer may have come back based on elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. A PET scan with Illuccix can reveal the presence of prostate cancer cells throughout the body and may be able to detect tumors more accurately than conventional imaging methods. Illuccix is also approved to determine if PSMA-directed radioligand therapy may be appropriate.

More than 3.1 million men* are living with prostate cancer in the United States. Prostate cancer continues to pose a significant health challenge, ranking as the second leading cause of cancer death among men. Delayed diagnosis can result in fewer treatment options and increased mortality risk. Ongoing PSA screenings and access to advanced imaging such as a PSMA-PET scan with Illuccix are crucial factors for early detection and accurate diagnosis. Illuccix may be able to detect cancer when PSA levels are low, when tumors are small, or when conventional imaging results are uncertain.

PSMA-PET/CT technology is a breakthrough in prostate cancer diagnosis. Understanding the extent of the disease is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment. A PSMA-PET scan with Illuccix can provide the precision and reliability required to guide treatment decisions for patients. Guadalupe Regional Medical Center is dedicated to staying at the forefront of medical technology to provide the best possible healthcare to Seguin and the surrounding community. The introduction of Illuccix is a significant milestone in GRMC’s commitment to enhance patient care and outcomes for prostate cancer patients.

What is Illuccix?
Illuccix is an advanced imaging tracer that is used with a positron emission tomography (PET) scan to detect cancer cells in your body. When you have rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a PET scan with Illuccix can give your care team additional information to help them better determine an appropriate treatment plan.

How does Illuccix work?
Illuccix works by targeting a specific protein that is abundant in prostate cancer called PSMA. Illuccix attaches to PSMA proteins, and during a PET scan, Illuccix lights up these proteins wherever they are in the body. This advanced imaging tracer can help your care team make more informed decisions about your treatment path forward.

• “PSMA”, which stands for “prostate-specific membrane antigen”, is a protein that is abundant on the surface of prostate cancer cells. This is what makes PSMA a good target for prostate cancer imaging.
• PSMA is also found on cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes or bones.
• PSMA imaging may be able to detect tumors that are undetectable with conventional imaging, which relies on size and shape of tumor.

Is Illuccix Safe?
The Illuccix imaging tracer uses a small amount of radiation that is in the body for a short amount of time. The use of radiation in medical imaging is quite common. Your care team is trained to use safe handling practices to help minimize any risk. You can help by making sure to drink plenty of water after scan appointments and to empty your bladder frequently. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor or a member of your care team.

How do I prepare for my scan?
If you are scheduled to have a scan, your doctor or a member of your care team will review specific preparation instructions with you, which may include:
1. Drink Plenty of Water: Make sure to hydrate with plenty of water before your scan appointment. Continue to drink water and hydrate frequently after you receive the injection for your scan.
2. Avoid Exercise: Try not to do strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours before the scan.
3. Diet: Ask your doctor or care team about any foods or beverages you should avoid before your scan.

About Illuccix
Illuccix is an advanced PSMA-PET imaging agent for prostate cancer, designed to help doctors accurately stage the disease, identify recurrence, and help select patients for radioligand therapy. Illuccix attaches to PSMA, after which a scan is performed using a PET/CT scanner in a hospital or imaging facility, typically taking 30 minutes. A PET scan with Illuccix can give doctors greater clarity regarding the extent of prostate cancer and may help physicians make more informed treatment plan decisions. Visit the Illuccix Website.

*“Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer: Prostate Cancer Facts.” Prostate Cancer Facts | American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed 7 Mar. 2024