Prostate cancer patients in Northern Ireland move closer to accessing advanced scans at home

Men in Northern Ireland diagnosed with prostate cancer could soon benefit from faster access to advanced diagnostic imaging closer to home, following confirmation that progress is being made towards establishing a local PSMA PET-CT scanning service.

North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows has welcomed confirmation from the Minister of Health that work is advancing to deliver the specialist service in Northern Ireland, a move that could spare some patients the need to travel elsewhere in the UK for vital scans.

The update came in response to a written Assembly Question submitted by Mr Burrows, who asked whether plans were in place to provide a Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) PET-CT scanning service to improve access for patients requiring advanced imaging as part of their prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

PSMA PET-CT scans are increasingly used to help detect the spread of prostate cancer and support more accurate treatment planning, particularly in complex cases where conventional imaging may not provide sufficient detail.

Key obstacle overcome

According to the Minister’s response, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has been progressing work to establish the service locally and has now overcome a major obstacle that had previously delayed implementation.

A key challenge had centred on securing the specialist radiopharmaceutical required for the scans. The Minister confirmed that an approved procurement route has now been identified, removing a significant barrier to delivering the service in Northern Ireland.

Mr Burrows said the development marks an important step forward for prostate cancer care.

“Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Northern Ireland. Early diagnosis and effective treatment planning are vital in securing the best possible outcomes for patients, and PSMA PET-CT imaging is increasingly recognised as an important tool in achieving this,” he said.

He added:

“I was encouraged to receive confirmation from the Minister that significant progress has been made towards delivering this service locally. Until now, challenges around sourcing the necessary radiopharmaceutical have delayed implementation, meaning some patients have had to travel elsewhere in the United Kingdom to access these scans.”

Reducing travel and delays

The MLA said the identification of an approved procurement route means the specialised imaging could now be delivered using existing PET-CT scanner infrastructure already available in Northern Ireland.

“The fact that an approved procurement route has now been identified is a very positive development,” he said.

“It means that PSMA PET-CT imaging can be delivered using existing PET-CT scanner infrastructure here in Northern Ireland, bringing this important diagnostic service closer to patients and their families.”

For patients and families already dealing with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, local access to the scans could reduce travel burdens, shorten delays and improve the overall patient experience.

Funding work continues

While progress has been made, further work remains before the service can become fully operational.

The Minister also confirmed that work is underway to develop a business case aimed at securing the recurring funding required to support the service over the longer term.

Mr Burrows said he intends to continue monitoring developments and engaging with the Department of Health as the project moves forward.

“While there is still work to be done, this represents an important step forward for prostate cancer care. Patients deserve access to the most advanced diagnostic tools available, and I will continue to engage with the Department of Health and monitor progress to ensure this service is delivered as quickly as possible.”

He added:

“For many families facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, reducing delays and avoiding unnecessary travel can make a real difference during what is already an incredibly challenging time.”

The development is likely to be welcomed by prostate cancer patients across Northern Ireland, particularly those who have previously faced the prospect of travelling outside the region to access the specialist scans.

With a key procurement hurdle now resolved and funding plans being developed, the prospect of a locally delivered PSMA PET-CT service appears closer than ever.