Global Public Interest in Prostate Cancer Imaging: A Google Trends Analysis of PSMA PET and Conventional Modalities (2010–2025)

Purpose: This study evaluates and compares global public interest in Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography (PSMA PET) imaging with traditional prostate cancer imaging modalities using Google Trends data from 2010 to 2025, and analyzes how digital engagement aligns with key clinical milestones.Methods: This observational infodemiology study analyzed Google Trends data for four search terms: 'PSMA PET Scan', 'MRI Prostate Cancer', 'Bone Scan Prostate Cancer', and 'Prostate Cancer Scan' from January 2010 to April 2025. Average interest scores were calculated for pre- and post-milestone periods. Linear regression estimated PSMA PET growth rates post-2020, and milestone-aligned surge analysis quantified changes surrounding key clinical events including the proPSMA trial publication, FDA approval, and guideline updates.Results: PSMA PET search interest increased dramatically after March 2020, with sustained monthly growth (R²=0.87). By 2023, PSMA PET interest surpassed bone scan levels and approached MRI interest. FDA approval of Gallium-68 PSMA-11 generated the strongest public response, while guideline updates showed minimal immediate impact. Overall average interest rankings were: Prostate Cancer Scan (44.9), MRI Prostate Cancer (40.8), PSMA PET Scan (20.6), and Bone Scan Prostate Cancer (13.7).Conclusion: PSMA PET has rapidly captured public interest parallel to its clinical validation and regulatory approval, reflecting growing importance in prostate cancer imaging. Infodemiology approaches provide valuable insights into medical innovation ad3option and assist stakeholders in anticipating trends and developing health policies in molecular imaging.