Evaluating the Initial Experience and Clinical Impact of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Scans in Prostate Cancer Management: A Retrospective Study in Iraq

Background Prostate cancer is a significant health concern globally, especially in the Middle East, including Iraq. This study explores the adoption and impact of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans in Erbil, Iraq, from 2020 to 2023, marking a pivotal advancement in prostate cancer diagnostics in a region where the disease's prevalence is rising. Materials and methods Through a retrospective analysis at Medya Diagnostic Center in Erbil, Iraq, involving 172 patients, we assessed the feasibility, applicability, and clinical utility of PSMA PET/CT in the local population. Results The study highlights the modality's enhanced sensitivity and specificity in detecting prostate cancer and its metastases, with bone being the most frequent metastasis site. Despite positive outcomes, challenges such as integration into clinical practice, adherence to guidelines, and financial implications were identified. The majority of referrals came from medical oncologists, primarily for staging and response evaluation, indicating PSMA PET/CT's critical role in managing prostate cancer. The findings suggest a need for national guidelines, interdisciplinary collaboration, and educational initiatives to optimize the use of PSMA PET/CT in Iraq's healthcare setting. Conclusions This study contributes valuable insights into the early experiences with PSMA PET/CT, paving the way for improved prostate cancer diagnostics and management in similar contexts.