The diagnostic value of PET/CT imaging with the 68Ga-labeled PSMA-ligand in the follow up assessment of prostate cancer after therapy

Abstract

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to investigate the role of PET/CT imaging with the 68Ga-labeled PSMA-ligand in the follow up assessment of post-operative and post-therapeutic cases of prostate cancer. All data were collected and analyzed retrospectively, enrolling 30 patients (their age range from 53 to 80 years with a mean age 67.8). The patients had been referred to a private imaging center for their assessment by 68Ga-labeled PSMA-ligand PET/CT. Results By 68Ga-labeled PSMA-ligand PET/CT, prostatic recurrent/residual neoplastic lesion was depicted in 23 (76.6%) patients, nodal metastases was present in 7 (23.3%) patients, and distant metastasis was present in 11 (36.6%) patients. The clinical and/or PSA level and/or radiological follow-up and/or the histopathological assessment for the patients served as a reference in the present study.The 68Ga-labeled PSMA-ligand PET/CT had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and an overall accuracy (96.5%, 100%, 100%, 50%, and 96.6%) respectively. Conclusion 68Ga-labeled PSMA-ligand PET/CT is a very helpful tool for detection of prostatic cancer residual/recurrent lesions and restaging which can help in performing treatment plans and improve the clinical outcome and survival of the patients.