Comparing the diagnostic performance of radiotracers in prostate cancer biochemical recurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To systematically assess the early detection rate of biochemical prostate cancer recurrence using choline, fluciclovine, and PSMA. Methods Under the guidance of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis Diagnostic Test Accuracy guidelines, literature that assessed the detection rates (DRs) of choline, fluciclovine, and PSMA in prostate cancer biochemical recurrence was searched in PubMed and EMBASE databases for our systematic review from 2012 to July 15, 2021. In addition, the PSA-stratified performance of detection positivity was obtained to assess the DRs for various methods, including fluciclovine, PSMA, or choline PET/CT, with respect to biochemical recurrence based on different PSA levels. Results In total, 64 studies involving 11,173 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of the studies, 12, 7, and 48 focused on choline, fluciclovine, and PSMA, respectively. The pooled DRs were 24%, 37%, and 44%, respectively, for a PSA level less than 0.5 ng/mL (p < 0.001); 36%, 44%, and 60% for a PSA level of 0.5–0.99 ng/mL (p < 0.001); and 50%, 61%, and 80% for a PSA level of 1.0–1.99 ng/mL (p < 0.001). The DR with 18F-labeled PSMA was higher than that with 68Ga-labeled PSMA, and the DR was 58%, 72%, and 88% for PSA levels < 0.5 ng/mL, 0.5–0.9 ng/mL, and 1.0–1.99 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusion The DRs of PSMA-radiotracers were greater than those of choline-radiotracers and fluciclovine-radiotracers at the patient level. 18F-labeled PSMA achieved a higher DR than 68Ga-labeled PSMA. Key Points • The DRs of PSMA-radiotracers were greater than those of choline-radiotracers and fluciclovine-radiotracers at the patient level. •18F-labeled PSMA achieved a higher DR than68Ga-labeled PSMA.