The Role of Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography for Assessment of Local Recurrence and Distant Metastases in Patients with Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer After Definitive Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Positron emission tomography (PET) with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligands has an established role in the assessment of recurrence of prostate cancer (PC) after primary treatment. However, an updated understanding of its diagnostic utility is warranted, particularly in the context of emerging targeted and systemic treatment options for recurrent PC. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of PSMA PET for staging and detection of local or metastatic disease in patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) following definitive treatment for PC.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review (Web of Science/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from inception to April 25, 2024) and meta-analysis. Eligible retrospective and prospective studies had extractable data on PSMA PET for patients with BCR after radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiation therapy (RT). Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Random-effects models were used to evaluate PSMA PET positivity rates across clinical subgroups stratified by PSA, primary treatment, PSMA PET radioligand, and anatomic lesion sites.
KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS
A total of 43 studies (8119 patients) were included. PSMA PET positivity rates varied substantially among patients with BCR after primary definitive treatment, with significant study heterogeneity (τ2 = 0.6; p 90% at PSA >2 ng/ml. Gleason score (GS) at RP did not significantly influence the positivity rate (50% for GS ≤7…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 8,119 participants or records.
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