A recent study conducted by the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has revealed that advanced imaging techniques, specifically prostate-specific membrane antigen–positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET), can detect previously unrecognized metastatic disease in nearly half of high-risk prostate cancer patients initially deemed nonmetastatic by conventional imaging methods. Published in JAMA Network Open, the research involved 182 men with high-risk recurrent prostate cancer, all considered for the EMBARK trial. The findings indicated that PSMA-PET identified metastatic cancer in 46% of these patients, suggesting that traditional imaging may significantly underestimate the extent of disease spread.
PSMA-PET imaging utilizes radiotracers that bind specifically to prostate cancer cells, enabling the visualization of both anatomical structures and the biological activity of tumors. This dual capability enhances the accuracy of disease staging, which is crucial for determining appropriate treatment strategies. Dr. Jeremie Calais, the study’s senior author, emphasized the importance of PSMA-PET in accurately staging prostate cancer, noting its potential to significantly impact treatment decisions and outcomes. The study’s results advocate for the integration of PSMA-PET into clinical practice and future clinical trials to ensure precise staging and optimal patient management. Click for More Details
