Cancer patients will be examined at PET-centers in Moscow using a new radiopharmaceutical agent
Moscow has started using a new radiopharmaceutical agent for a more accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer.
About 37,000 patients with prostate cancer are under the observation of Moscow doctors. Recurrence of cancer is identified in at least 30% of cases. Diagnostics is complicated by the fact that not all methods of diagnostic radiology detect new malignant cells at a low level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The lower the antigen level, the more difficult it is to detect malignant cells. Besides that, positron emission computed tomography is one of the most expensive methods of diagnostic radiology, which makes diagnostics not easily available for patients.
The state program of the city of Moscow for healthcare development has solved the problem and introduced the newest internationally recognized method of diagnostics to state budget-funded medical facilities. Moscow Positron Emission Tomography Centers have started using a new radiopharmaceutical agent based on the ultra-short-lived radioactive isotope fluorine-18 (fluorine-18-PSMA), which provides more opportunities for diagnostics. The study is being conducted within the framework of the Moscow territorial compulsory medical insurance program. It means that patients are diagnosed free of charge. Urologists and oncologists of city medical facilities and federal centers located in Moscow, refer patients for examination to PET-centers.
Original article here https://medium.com/@s.samburskiy/moscow-has-started-using-a-new-radiopharmaceutical-agent-for-a-more-accurate-diagnosis-of-prostate-aeeaf3b1497