Management of Patients with Recurrent and Metachronous Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer in the Era of PSMA PET

Simple Summary Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA PET) is a modern imaging modality used in the management of patients with prostate cancer with improved accuracy in detecting lymph nodes and distant disease spread. In this paper, we discuss how the increasing use of PSMA PET is changing clinical management in patients with prostate cancer, specifically those previously treated for localized disease and now presenting with recurrence or low-volume metastatic disease spread. We also discuss how PSMA PET is affecting clinical trial design and interpretation. More clinical trials are needed to investigate whether the use of PSMA PET translates into improved patient survival or quality of life. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) scans have higher sensitivity and specificity for detecting lymph nodes or metastatic disease relative to conventional imaging in prostate cancer staging. Since its FDA approval and incorporation into treatment guidelines, the use of PSMA PET has increased in patients undergoing initial staging, those with recurrence after initial definitive treatment, and patients with metastatic disease. Although the early detection of metastatic lesions is changing disease management, it is unclear whether this impact on management translates into clinical benefit. This review will summarize evidence pertaining to the change in patient management due to PSMA PET use and will discuss the implications of PSMA PET on treatment decisions in prostate cancer, particularly in the settings of biochemical recurrence and metachronous oligometastatic disease.

Automated summary

PSMA PET is increasingly used in the management of prostate cancer patients, improving accuracy in disease detection and changing clinical management. However, it is unclear whether this leads to improved patient survival or quality of life.