Ga-68 PSMA-11 impacting prostate cancer management in a real-world setting: A pilot experience using the total-body PET/CT scanner.

Abstract

62 Background: PET/CT using Ga-68 PSMA-11, which received FDA approval, can detect early biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer at greater sensitivity than conventional imaging, as well as more accurately clinical stage and impact treatment management, particularly vital for high-risk patients. We present our first experience with Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET/CT using the total-body PET/CT scanner (uExplorer). Methods: PET/CT imaging (1-bed acquisition of the entire body for 5 minutes) was performed on the uExplorer scanner 56-65 minutes after administering 150-200 MBq of Ga-68 PSMA-11 (Illucix) in 14 patients with prostate cancer at our clinic. The medical records of these patients were reviewed. Results: Of the 14 patients who underwent Ga-68 PSMA-11 total-body PET/CT, 6 had high risk, 6 had intermediate risk and 2 had low risk cancers. The scan was negative in 1 patient, whereas local recurrence and pelvic lymph nodes could be identified in the other patient with low-risk prostate cancer. The smallest size of the lymph node identified was 2 mm. All patients with intermediate and high-risk cancers had metastatic disease – 2 had metastases to the lymph nodes only. Of the 10 patients with widespread metastases to bones and lymph nodes, 4 had additional visceral metastases – in 3 patients to the lungs and in 1 to the liver. The line of management changed in 10/13 patients with a positive scan – 5 were treated with Lu-177 PSMA radioligand, 4 with chemotherapy and 1 with local irradiation. Conclusions: Our pilot experience is consistent with the clinical value of Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET/CT (Illucix) imaging to better inform patient management, in addition to demonstrating the role of rapid and high-resolution imaging with the total-body PET/CT scanner (uExplorer). With the availability of PSMA PET/CT, it should be considered the new standard of care for men who have prostate cancer for staging or localization of recurrence.