Baptist Health Paducah now offers PYLARIFY -- a clearer picture of prostate cancer

PYLARIFY targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).

(Paducah, KY) September 27 -- September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. As one of the most common cancers, Baptist Health Paducah has prioritized its prostate cancer care by offering an advanced diagnostic imaging agent called PYLARIFY®. This drug is used with PET/CT scans to find tumors in the prostate, lymph nodes, bones and other organs; and typically does better than other types of traditional imaging scans.

PYLARIFY® targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is a protein found on the surface of approximately 95% of prostate cancer cells. Because PYLARIFY® targets PSMA, it is more accurate than conventional imaging in detecting early or very small prostate cancer metastases. This ability to spot prostate cancer earlier than before, can lead to five year survival rates being as high as 100%.

“Imaging plays an important role in helping detect, stage and monitor prostate cancer,” said Scott McElroy, MD, Radiology Group of Paducah. “Pylarify used with PET/CT provides us with a clearer image of where the prostate cancer is and allows your doctor to make more informed treatment choices.”

Prostate cancer often goes undetected as there are typically no real, indicative symptoms until it begins to spread. However, some experience trouble urinating and blood in the urine. Because symptoms are not always present, screening for prostate cancer is an important topic for men and their families.

All men are at risk for prostate cancer. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, screening is recommended for men who are 55-69 years old. Early screening may be recommended for those at a higher risk, including African American men and those with a family history of cancer.

For men who fit the screening recommendation criteria, talk with your primary care doctor about being screened for prostate cancer. With early detection and active surveillance, prostate cancer can be managed with less impact on your quality of life. If you receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, talk to your healthcare provider or oncologist to see if PYLARIFY® is right for you.