Theranostics is a hot topic currently in the treatment of prostate cancer. That is where unique agents are getting looked at, either simultaneously or sequentially, to diagnose and treat the disease. We are excited to follow up on last week’s episode regarding the recent FDA approval of the first PSMA-targeted PET Gallium Scan for Prostate Cancer. 

In this episode, we will take it a step further and look at how that scan complements the PSMA-targeting with prostate cancer treatment. We have Dr. Scott Tagawa joining us today. He is an international leader in PSMA-targeting in the treatment of prostate cancer, and he will get us up to speed. 

Dr. Scott Tagawa is a Professor of Medicine and Urology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian – Weill Cornell Medical Center. He completed his residency and fellowship training in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. Dr. Tagawa is currently the Medical Director of the Genitourinary Oncology Research Program at Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he leads clinical trials in the areas of prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer, as well as the prevention of thrombosis with cancer. He specializes in drug development and theranostics in prostate cancer. Dr. Tagawa is the principal investigator for the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. He serves on the Board of Directors and as a funded member of the Genitourinary Committee. He is a member of the Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He also serves on the editorial boards of many journals, he is a member of numerous national and international medical and scientific societies, and he has been named on multiple top doctor award lists. 

Be sure to listen in today to find out what Dr. Tagawa has to share about the PET Gallium Scan, and how it complements PSMA-targeting in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Disclaimer: The Prostate Health Podcast is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast should be construed as medical advice. By listening to the podcast, no physician-patient relationship has been formed. For more information and counseling, you must contact your personal physician or urologist with questions about your unique situation.

Show highlights:

  • Dr. Tagawa explains what theranostics is.
  • Dr. Tagawa talks about how his work, and his experience with PSMA-targeting treatment agents for prostate cancer, tie into the recent approval for the PSMA-targeted PET scan in the United States.
  • Some areas in the body have PSMA. Dr. Tagawa talks about those areas.
  • Dr. Tagawa discusses whether most of the men who are potential candidates for PSMA-targeted therapy have PSMA positive lesions on the PET scan.
  • Dr. Tagawa talks about whether or not those who do not have a PSMA positive PET scan might still be candidates for PSMA-targeted therapy.
  • How the PSMA-targeted therapy works in the treatment of prostate cancer.
  • Dr. Tagawa explains which men would be potential candidates for the PSMA-targeted therapy.
  • Dr. Tagawa discusses the potential downsides or risks in targeting the PSMA in therapy.
  • Dr. Tagawa discusses the genetic markers that could help in predicting the response to PSMA-targeting therapy. 

Links and resources:

Follow Dr. Pohlman on Twitter and Instagram – @gpohlmanmd 

Get your free What To Expect Guide (or find the link here, on our podcast website)  

Join our Facebook group 

Follow Dr. Pohlman on Twitter and Instagram 

Go to the Prostate Health Academy to sign up for the wait-list for our bonus video content. 

You can access Dr. Pohlman’s free mini webinar, where he discusses his top three tips to promote men’s prostate health, longevity, and quality of life here.