Imaging biomarkers in prostate cancer: role of PET/CT and MRI

Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2015 Apr;42(4):644-55. doi: 10.1007/s00259-014-2982-5. Epub 2015 Jan 17.

Abstract

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is currently the most widely used biomarker of prostate cancer (PCa). PSA suggests the presence of primary tumour and disease relapse after treatment, but it is not able to provide a clear distinction between locoregional and distant disease. Molecular and functional imaging, that are able to provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of PCa extension, are more reliable tools for primary tumour detection and disease extension assessment both in staging and restaging. In the present review we evaluate the role of PET/CT and MRI in the diagnosis, staging and restaging of PCa, and the use of these imaging modalities in prognosis, treatment planning and response assessment. Innovative imaging strategies including new radiotracers and hybrid scanners such as PET/MRI are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Multimodal Imaging*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals* / pharmacokinetics
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen