EAU

EAU 2026: Could a glowing prostate scan spare men from unnecessary biopsies?

March 17, 2026

A specialized PSMA* PET/CT scan that makes prostate cancer cells “glow” could safely halve the number of men needing biopsies for suspected prostate cancer, according to findings presented at the European Association of Urology Congress in London. The scan uses a molecule that binds to prostate cancer cells, highlighting potentially aggressive tumors as bright spots on imaging.

These early findings represent the first results released from PRIMARY2, an Australia‑wide phase 3 clinical trial that will follow 660 participants for two years. In the study, men at elevated risk despite a normal MRI were randomized to standard biopsy or the PSMA PET/CT pathway. The scan accurately identified patients without cancer—or with only low‑risk disease—allowing them to avoid biopsy while maintaining detection of clinically significant tumors.

PSMA PET/CT is already widely available in Australia and is becoming more accessible in the UK and Europe, though cost and availability still limit broader implementation.

*PSMA: prostate-specific membrane antigen.

Source:

(2026, March 13). EAU: European Association of Urology. Scan that makes prostate cancer cells glow could cut need for biopsies [Press release]. https://uroweb.org/news/scan-that-makes-prostate-cancer-cells-glow-could-cut-need-for-biopsies-2