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Introduction ⬇

A prostate scan is performed using indium 111 (111In) capromab pendetide (brand name ProstaScint®) and is also known as a ProstaScint scan. This test is done to determine whether curative therapy and radiotherapy are treatment options in patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer who are at high risk for metastasis or have a rising prostate-specific antigen following a prostatectomy.

Procedure ⬆ ⬇

  1. The patient is injected with 5.5–6.5 mCi of 111In capromab pendetide intravenously over a 5-minute period.

  2. The patient then drinks 8–12 oz of water and undergoes the first imaging session.

  3. On day 3 (48 hours before second imaging session) and day 4 (24 hours before second imaging session), the patient is instructed to take an oral laxative. A cleansing enema should be performed just before arrival for the second imaging session, which is 5 days after injection.

  4. Depending on the results of the imaging sessions, a third imaging session on day 6 or 7 may be necessary.

Clinical Alert

ProstaScint is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to murine-origin products

Clinical Implications ⬆ ⬇

Increased activity or uptake in the lymph nodes indicates the likelihood of metastatic disease.

Interventions ⬆ ⬇

Pretest Patient Care

  1. Explain the purpose, procedure, benefits, and risks of the test.

  2. Refer to standard nuclear imaging pretest precautions.

  3. Follow guidelines in Chapter 1 for safe, effective, informed pretest care.

Posttest Patient Care

  1. Refer to standard NMI posttest precautions.

  2. Review test results; report and record findings. Modify the nursing care plan as needed.

  3. Follow guidelines in Chapter 1 for safe, effective, informed posttest care.

Reference Values ⬆

Normal

No areas of uptake or ProstaScint activity.