Role of PSMA PET/CT imaging in the diagnosis, staging and restaging of prostate cancer

Future Oncol. 2021 Jun;17(17):2225-2241. doi: 10.2217/fon-2020-1293. Epub 2021 Mar 16.

Abstract

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT is a novel imaging technique for the detection and staging of either primary or recurrent prostate cancer. Early studies demonstrated its improved sensitivity and specificity over and in combination with other currently employed imaging techniques, such as multiparametric MRI, bone scan, PET and CT. However, the lack of strength and confidence in these studies has meant incorporation of PSMA PET/CT into clinical guidelines and practice has been limited to date. In response, a number of high-quality prospective studies have recently emerged and reflect exciting results seen in preceding publications. Here we recount some of the key earlier publications, report results from the latest studies and look to the future discussing some of the eagerly awaited ongoing clinical trials.

Keywords: PET/CT; PSMA; diagnosis; imaging; prostate cancer; staging; urology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Surface / metabolism*
  • Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / classification*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, Surface
  • FOLH1 protein, human
  • Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II