The utility of [¹⁸F]Fluciclovine PET/CT in Evaluating Nonmetastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients (nmCRPCp): diagnostic performance and impact on management

Objective: To evaluate the role of [F-18]Fluciclovine PET/CT scan in restaging nmCRPCp and its impact on management.Methods and materials: This retrospective study included all patients with nonmetastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, who underwent [F-18]Fluciclovine PET/CT scans for restaging who had concern for disease progression. Two radiologists independently reviewed the PET/CT studies, assigned an overall impression, and reported the site and number of radiotracer activities in consensus and impact on management was recorded. Available tissue diagnosis and/or six-month clinical and imaging follow-up were used as reference standards.Results: Thirty-five patients were included in this study. At least one lesion was detected in 73% (26/35) of the scans. Management changed in 71% (25/35) of patients, (22 positives and three negative scans). 26.9% (7/26) of patients were found to have an oligometastatic disease. Based on the reference standards, the diagnostic performance of [F-18]Fluciclovine PET/CT in detecting recurrence in nmCRCP has 86%, sensitivity, 83% specificity, 96.1% PPV, and 55.5% NPV. There was no relationship between the Gleason score and a positive PET/CT scan in our patient population.Conclusion: Detecting the source of recurrence is challenging in nmCRCP patients when conventional imaging fails. Given the high PPV, sensitivity, and specificity, [F-18]Fluciclovine PET/CT can be used instead of conventional imaging as a first-line choice due to its superiority over bone scan and added value of detecting soft tissue metastasis regardless of the initial Gleason score.Advances in knowledge: The study highlights the added value of [F-18]Fluciclovine PET/CT in detecting soft tissue metastasis regardless of the initial Gleason score, which is not possible with conventional imaging such as bone scans.The study highlights the potential role of [F-18]Fluciclovine PET/CT guiding management change for nonmetastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer patients, particularly those with oligometastatic disease.