PET/CT Scans as Potential Prostate Cancer Evaluation Tool

The results of 3 studies have suggested that C-11 choline positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) scans can be used as a staging and possible therapeutic tool for patients with prostate cancer.

One study found that C-11 choline PET/CT scans, although not necessarily better, can be utilized as a staging tool instead of multiple x-rays.

Two additional studies focus on the use of PET scans to evaluate patients with recurrent prostate cancer, and both studies support the favorable claims made in recent medical literature regarding this use. Findings such as these are valuable, because a critical step in optimizing further therapy following primary treatment failure involves distinguishing localized disease recurrence from systemic recurrence.

“We believe the use of these scans can improve the staging and treatment of this common form of cancer, while potentially reducing the cost of delivering the best possible care,” says R. Jeffrey Karnes, MD, senior author of all 3 papers.

The following are brief summaries of the 3 studies:

Initial Staging for High-Risk Prostate Cancer: Is there a Role for C-11 Choline PET Scan? – This research suggests that C-11 choline PET is an accurate tool for diagnosis when implemented prior to definitive treatment. Researchers believe the need for CT and/or bone scans could potentially be eliminated by the C-11 choline PET.

Detection of Consolidated Disease Recurrences of Prostate Cancer by C-11 Choline PET Scan: Results Confirmed by Surgical Resection. – In this study, researchers found that a C-11 choline PET scan is a precise diagnostic tool for discovering localized disease recurrences that, in some cases, may be appropriate for salvage surgical resection.

Operational Characteristics of C-11 Choline PET Scan for Prostate Cancer Patients With Biochemical Recurrence Following Initial Treatment. – Compared to the use of conventional imaging technologies, the rate of prostate cancer lesion detection increases by approximately 30% when utilizing a C-11 choline PET scan, according to study findings.

Source: Mayo Clinic.