Role of PSMA PET/CT in imaging and management of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In the era of precision medicine, the introduction of FDA-approved prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeting tracers has revolutionized prostate cancer imaging. These tracers enable functional positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, allowing for precise identification of the location and extent of prostate cancer spread. This review serves as a practical guide for multidisciplinary teams caring for prostate cancer patients, outlining the current approved uses of PET imaging with PSMA tracers and exploring its future applications.

RECENT FINDINGS: PSMA PET/CT has become a reliable modality for initial staging in patients with intermediate-to-high risk prostate cancer, restaging in cases of biochemical recurrence and further clarifying disease status among patients with conventional imaging based nonmetastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer and metastatic prostate cancer. Additionally, it has promising roles in selecting patients for radioligand therapy, monitoring treatment response, and guiding therapeutic decision-making.

SUMMARY: PSMA PET/CT is currently a crucial imaging tool used at key stages of prostate cancer management, with ongoing research exploring its potential for additional clinical applications.