PSMA positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PSMAPET-CT) was found to be 27% more accurate compared to conventional CT and bone scans. This was discovered in a phase 3 study conducted to detect distant metastases in high-risk prostate cancer patients.

According to research, PSMA PET-CT can help stage men with high risk localized prostate cancer more accurately than conventional imaging.

The imaging technique offers superior accuracy and can replace standard imaging procedures.

During the phase 3 trial, the collaborative team studied men with high risk localized prostate cancer who were considered for radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy with curative intent. Some of the men underwent conventional imaging with bone and CT scans while others took the Gallium-68 PSMA-11 PET-CT imaging.

The study developed a crossover design by placing men with less than two unequivocal distant metastases on first-line imaging to undergo second-line imaging with the other imaging modality.

The PSMA PET-CT imaging technique offered 27% greater accuracy than standard imaging, with a result of 92% over 65%, respectively. The accuracy was observed during the process of detecting distant metastases or pelvic nodal. PSMA PET-CT also showed greater sensitivity of 85% vs. 38% and specificity of 08% vs. 91%.

The first-line PSMA PET-CT helped to improve management changes. In addition, conventional imaging techniques exposed patients to more radiation than the new technology.

PSMA PET-CT patients on second-line imaging experienced a management change of 27%, while those on conventional imaging had 5%.

The findings from this prospective imaging studies suggest that PSMA PET-CT is more accurate and can replace CT and bone scans when staging men with high-risk prostate cancer. However, current guidelines will need to be reviewed following the findings. Further analyses will be required to support the findings and enable the widespread use of PSMA PET-CT for prostate cancer patients.