PSMA PET/CT with PYLARIFY

PYLARIFY® (piflufolastat F-18) is an FDA-approved radioactive diagnostic imaging agent used during PET imaging in men with prostate cancer. 

PYLARIFY is designed to target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein found in high amounts on most prostate cancer cells. After PYLARIFY is injected into a vein, it travels through the body and binds to cells that express PSMA. The PET scan detects the signal from PYLARIFY, allowing radiologists to identify areas that may contain prostate cancer.

Your urologist, oncologist or other physician may recommend a PSMA PET/CT if you have prostate cancer and additional imaging is needed to evaluate the disease.

A PSMA PET/CT with PYLARIFY may be used to:

1. Stage Prostate Cancer: Determine whether prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate to lymph nodes, bones or other areas of the body.
2. Find Recurrent Prostate Cancer: Help locate prostate cancer that may have returned after treatment, particularly when PSA levels begin to rise.
3. Guide Treatment Planning: Provide detailed information that can help your care team determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
4. Evaluate the Extent of Disease: Identify areas throughout the body that may represent prostate cancer.

Your physician will determine whether a PSMA PET/CT is appropriate based on your diagnosis, PSA levels, previous treatment and other clinical information.

Before your scan, a small amount of PYLARIFY is administered through an intravenous (IV) line. PYLARIFY travels through your body and binds to PSMA. After allowing time for the imaging agent to circulate, you will undergo the PET/CT scan. The PET portion of the examination detects the radioactive signal from PYLARIFY, while the CT portion provides detailed anatomical images. Your radiologist reviews the combined images to identify areas that may represent prostate cancer.

Step 1: Prepare for Your Appointment

No fasting is required for your PYLARIFY PET/CT.

Before your appointment:

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking water.
• Do not wear clothing with metal, including zippers, snaps or clips.
• Do not wear jewelry.
• If you have high anxiety or claustrophobia, consult your physician about medication. Do not take it before arrival. Our team will advise you when to take it. If prescribed, you must bring a driver.
• Bring a photo ID and insurance cards.
• Bring prior PET, MRI or CT scans if they were not previously performed at Fairfax Radiology or Inova.

Step 2: Arrive for Your Appointment

Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time.

Your total appointment will take approximately 2 to 2½ hours.

Step 3: PYLARIFY Administration

A technologist will place a small IV in your arm and administer PYLARIFY, the radioactive imaging agent used for your PSMA PET/CT.

PYLARIFY travels through your body and binds to PSMA, a protein found in high amounts on most prostate cancer cells.

Step 4: Resting Period

After receiving PYLARIFY, you will rest comfortably while the imaging agent circulates through your body and collects in areas that express PSMA.

Step 5: The Scan

You will lie on a padded table that slowly moves through the PET/CT scanner.

The scan is painless. You will need to remain still while the images are being acquired. The PET portion detects signals from PYLARIFY, while the CT portion provides detailed anatomical images.

Step 6: After Your Scan

Following the examination, you may eat and resume your normal activities and diet.

Drinking fluids after your scan is encouraged to help your body naturally eliminate the remaining radiotracer.

PYLARIFY is a radioactive diagnostic imaging agent. As with other diagnostic imaging examinations that use radioactive tracers, the scan exposes you to a small amount of radiation.

Your physician will consider your individual medical needs when determining whether this examination is appropriate for you. The radioactive part of PYLARIFY naturally decreases over time and is from the body.

The scan itself is painless. You may feel a brief pinch when the IV is placed. During the scan, you simply need to lie still while the images are acquired.

Plan to spend approximately 2 to 2½ hours at the imaging center. Your appointment includes IV placement, administration of PYLARIFY, the resting period and imaging.

No. Fasting is not required for a PSMA PET/CT with PYLARIFY. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment. Drinking water is encouraged.

PSMA stands for prostate-specific membrane antigen. It is a protein found in high amounts on most prostate cancer cells. PYLARIFY is designed to bind to PSMA, allowing PET imaging to identify areas that may contain prostate cancer.

Yes. A PSMA PET/CT can help identify areas that may represent prostate cancer outside the prostate, including lymph nodes, bones and other parts of the body. Your physician will interpret the findings along with your PSA levels, medical history and other clinical information.

A PSMA PET/CT provides important information about the location and extent of prostate cancer, but imaging is one part of the diagnostic process.

A negative PYLARIFY scan does not completely rule out prostate cancer, and a positive scan does not by itself confirm prostate cancer. Your radiologist will interpret the results alongside your medical history, PSA levels, previous imaging and other clinical information.

A specialized radiologist will review your PET/CT images and send a detailed report to your referring physician. Your urologist, oncologist or other physician will discuss the findings with you and explain any recommended next steps.

Contact our Scheduling Department for an appointment:
Phone: 703.698.4441 Option 4
Fax: 703.698.5930
Or click here to make an appointment request

Please have your written physician order and your insurance card in hand when making your appointment.

For safety, children under 12 may not be left in the waiting room without a supervising adult. They may not accompany patients in the exam room. If supervision isn’t available, your appointment will be rescheduled.  Families of Obstetrical patients will be allowed in the room for a limited period of time, but only when an adult accompanies the minor children.