PET/CT Prostate (Axumin)

PET/CT imaging of the prostate is performed on men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer. These are patients with a prior history of treatment for prostate cancer and now have recurrence with rising PSA levels. Imaging will be performed utilizing F-18 fluciclovine, known as Axumin. Axumin targets the increased amino acid transport which occurs in many prostate cancers.

Before your procedure

• Keep physical activity low for 24 hours prior to the exam (no jogging, aerobics, shoveling snow, mowing lawn, other workouts). Physical activity can make the exam less accurate.
• Do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to the exam. If necessary, medications can be taken with a small amount of water within that 4 hours.
• Do not chew gum or suck on mints.
• If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, it must be done by the day prior to your scheduled appointment.

During your procedure

• On the day of your exam, wear warm, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers, snaps or clasps.
• A technologist will answer any questions you may have the day of the exam.
• An IV will be starting in your arm to administer the Axumin (radioactive tracer).
• You will be asked to empty your bladder before beginning the scan.
• You will be injected while on the scanner table and the scan will start immediately after the injection.
• The scan time is approximately 40-45 minutes.

After your procedure

• You may resume your regular diet and activities.
• Your doctor will be contacted with the results of your test and will discuss the results with you.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your provider.