Pylarify PET Scan: F-18 DCFPyL for Prostate Cancer

Pylarify is the brand name for F-18 DCFPyL, a fluorine-18-labeled PSMA PET tracer approved by the FDA in 2021. It joined Ga-68 PSMA-11 as the second commercially available PSMA tracer in the US. The longer F-18 half-life (110 minutes vs 68 minutes for Ga-68) makes Pylarify easier to ship from central pharmacies. This light guide explains its use, sensitivity, and access.

What Pylarify Is

Pylarify (F-18 DCFPyL) is a small molecule that binds to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein overexpressed on prostate cancer cells. The radioactive label allows PET detection of PSMA-expressing tumor cells.

Approved for:
- Staging of intermediate to high-risk newly diagnosed prostate cancer
- Detection of suspected recurrence at biochemical recurrence (rising PSA)

Pylarify vs Ga-68 PSMA-11

Two tracers, same target:

Feature	Ga-68 PSMA-11	F-18 DCFPyL (Pylarify)
Half-life	68 minutes	110 minutes
Production	Onsite generator	Central cyclotron, shippable
Image quality	Excellent	Excellent (slightly higher resolution)
Bladder activity	Substantial	Substantial
Sensitivity at low PSA	~40% (PSA <0.5)	~45-50%
US Medicare coverage	Yes	Yes

For clinical purposes, the two are essentially interchangeable. Pylarify wins on logistics (no onsite generator required); Ga-68 wins where the generator is already in place.

Sensitivity by PSA Level

For biochemical recurrence detection:

PSA level	Pylarify detection rate
<0.2 ng/mL	25-35%
0.2-0.5	40-55%
0.5-1.0	60-75%
1.0-2.0	80-90%
2.0+	90%+

For initial staging of high-risk prostate cancer, Pylarify detects nodal and distant metastatic disease missed by conventional CT and bone scan in 15-25% of cases.

Patient Experience

Day-of experience:

• Arrive 30-60 minutes before scan
• IV insertion, blood sugar check
• Pylarify injection (no fasting required, unlike FDG)
• 60-minute uptake phase
• Scan (20-30 minutes)
• Drink water, normal activity resumes
• Avoid pregnant women and small children for 6 hours

Cost

Destination	Cash price (USD equivalent)
US (cash)	$5,000-7,500
US (Medicare allowed)	$3,500-5,500
UK (private)	£3,000-4,500
Mainland China (where available)	¥10,000-15,000 ($1,430-2,140)

For PSMA PET access and theranostic planning, our team can help.

Availability

In the US, Pylarify is widely available since 2022 at PET centers nationwide. F-18 half-life allows shipping from central pharmacy networks.

In other countries:
- UK: limited; Ga-68 PSMA-11 more common
- Continental EU: F-18 PSMA-1007 (different formulation) is the European-approved alternative
- Mainland China: increasingly available at PUMC Beijing, Fudan SCC Shanghai, HKU-Shenzhen, Sun Yat-sen Cancer Center

When Pylarify Is the Right Test

• Newly diagnosed prostate cancer with intermediate or high-risk features
• Rising PSA after primary treatment (radical prostatectomy or radiation)
• Pre-treatment evaluation for Lu-177 PSMA-617 (Pluvicto) therapy
• Suspected metastatic disease

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Medicare cover Pylarify for me?
For confirmed prostate cancer with appropriate clinical indication, yes. Prior authorization may be required.

Is Pylarify available outside the US?
F-18 DCFPyL specifically is US FDA approved. F-18 PSMA-1007 is the European-approved alternative. Both are clinically similar.

Should I get FDG PET if I have prostate cancer?
No, generally. FDG is significantly less sensitive than PSMA in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. PSMA tracers (Pylarify or Ga-68) are the preferred test.

Can I get Pylarify in mainland China?
F-18 DCFPyL itself is limited; F-18 PSMA-1007 is more common in China. Both work clinically. Top centers offering F-18 PSMA: Fudan SCC Shanghai, PUMC Beijing, Sun Yat-sen Cancer Center.

Need Help Booking?

SinoCareLink can pre-book PSMA PET (Pylarify or F-18 PSMA-1007) at a top Chinese hospital, coordinate Lu-177 PSMA therapy if indicated, translate reports into English, and arrange airport pickup. Contact us for a free consultation.