Prostate-specific membrane antigen-positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) of prostate cancer: current and emerging applications

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2024 Apr;49(4):1288-1305. doi: 10.1007/s00261-024-04188-w. Epub 2024 Feb 22.

Abstract

Prostate-specific membrane antigen-positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) is transforming the management of patients with prostate cancer. In appropriately selected patients, PSMA-PET offers superior sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional imaging (e.g., computed tomography and bone scintigraphy) as well as choline and fluciclovine PET, with the added benefit of consolidating bone and soft tissue evaluation into a single study. Despite being a newly available imaging tool, PSMA-PET has established indications, interpretation guidelines, and reporting criteria, which will be reviewed. The prostate cancer care team, from imaging specialists to those delivering treatment, should have knowledge of physiologic PSMA radiotracer uptake, patterns of disease spread, and the strengths and limitations of PSMA-PET. In this review, current and emerging applications of PSMA-PET, including appropriateness use criteria as well as image interpretation and pitfalls, will be provided with an emphasis on clinical implications.

Keywords: Imaging; PET/CT; PSMA; Prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Prostate*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / therapy

Substances

  • Gallium Radioisotopes