What one man learned about the value of precise imaging for prostate cancer

When retired aerospace engineer Steve Sakakini was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 61, his doctor said he'd have to have his prostate removed. Caught off guard, Sakakini sought a second opinion. That was the beginning of his journey to learn about prostate cancer and the diagnostics available to determine the best treatment plan for him.

Sakakini's new urologist recommended active monitoring of his cancer and treating it only when it showed signs of progression. This meant regular tests to determine the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in his blood, plus MRIs to watch for signs the cancer might be spreading.

For the next 11 years, Sakakini monitored his cancer, but at his annual physical in 2022, his PSA had risen to 160, and an MRI discovered his cancer had spread to surrounding bones. His doctor recommended PSMA PET imaging. PSMA stands for prostate-specific membrane antigen, a protein found mainly on prostate cancer cells. PET means positron emission tomography, a scan that uses a special dye with radioactive tracers that allow doctors to scan for cancer or other diseases. PSMA PET is an effective new body scan that helps doctors track hard-to-find prostate cancer potentially earlier and in smaller tumors, as opposed to standard imaging.

Sakakini was worried; he could not get an appointment with his urologist for several weeks. Fortunately, he was referred to an oncologist specializing in prostate cancer at a major cancer research center. Based on his test results, including PSMA PET imaging, Sakakini's oncologist recommended an aggressive three-drug treatment regimen grounded in state-of-the-art research: a new oral hormone therapy drug and a new testosterone blocking drug, plus chemotherapy. After six chemotherapy sessions, his PSA dropped to zero.

Today Sakakini is doing well. He continues taking the two medicines to keep testosterone low. His PSA remains undetectable, and there is no evidence of prostate cancer on scans. Sakakini stays in touch with his care team to monitor his condition. He maintains a healthy diet, exercises and loves spending time with his family. His advice to others?

"I believe my treatment was successful because my doctor knew about the latest research on my type of prostate cancer and applied it to my care." Sakakini said, "But it's equally important to empower yourself with knowledge and be your own advocate too."

How common is prostate cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will have prostate cancer at some point in their lives, and an estimated 3.3 million men are living with prostate cancer in the U.S. In addition, prostate cancer develops more often in Black men, and when it does develop in these men, they tend to be younger.

For your best health outcome, early detection is key. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and screening. This is especially important as you age, because older men are at increased risk.

How PSMA PET helps doctors treat prostate cancer

Before doctors can treat your prostate cancer, they need to see it clearly. PSMA PET imaging can help diagnose better than conventional imaging and build a plan to treat prostate cancer for many patients with the disease.

Doctors performing a PSMA PET scan inject patients with a small radioactive molecule that is attracted to PSMA, which is specific to prostate cancer cells. The radioactive part lights up when a whole-body scan is done, giving doctors a clear image of exactly where the cancer is.

Ask your doctor if PSMA PET imaging is a good option for you and learn more about PSMA PET at Time2See.com.

If you or a loved one are impacted by prostate cancer, please visit The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to learn more or access patient resources. PCF funds the world's most promising research on biology and treatment of prostate cancer, accelerating those discoveries into therapies and strategies designed to extend lives and improve quality of life for patients.