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Dual Tracer 11C-Choline and FDG-PET in the Diagnosis of Biochemical Prostate Cancer Relapse After Radical Treatment

Molecular Imaging and Biology volume 12, pages 210–217 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a dual tracer 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-d-glucose (FDG) and 11C-choline positron emission tomography (PET) protocol in the detection of biochemical prostate cancer relapse.

Procedures

Seventy-three patients (median Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test value 2.7 ng/ml (1.1–5.4)) after radical treatment. PET scans were performed by means of a ECAT-Exact HR+ in the first 18 patients and in a PET/computed tomography Biograph II in the remaining 55 patients.

Results

The sensitivity of 11C-choline and FDG was 60.6% and 31%. In PSA levels over 1.9 ng/ml, sensitivity increased to 80% and 40%, respectively. In the group receiving adjuvant hormone therapy, the diagnostic yields were 71.2% and 43%, respectively. While 11C-choline-PET could not differentiate well and poorly differentiated Gleason score patients, FDG-PET results were almost significant (p = 0.058).

Conclusions

A PSA value higher than 1.9 ng/ml determines a significant increase in the diagnostic yield. Adjuvant hormonotherapy has no influence on the PET results. FDG has a better correlation with the Gleason score than 11C-choline.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nuclear Medicine Department, Clínica Universitaria, Universidad de Navarra, Avda, Pío XII 36, 31008, Pamplona, Spain

    José A. Richter, Macarena Rodríguez, Iván Peñuelas, Josep Martí-Climent, Puy Garrastachu, Gemma Quincoces & María J. García-Velloso

  2. Urology Department, Clínica Universitaria, Universidad de Navarra, Avda, Pío XII 36, 31008, Pamplona, Spain

    Jorge Rioja & Javier Zudaire

Authors
  1. José A. Richter
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  2. Macarena Rodríguez
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  4. Iván Peñuelas
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  9. María J. García-Velloso
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Correspondence to José A. Richter.

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Richter, J.A., Rodríguez, M., Rioja, J. et al. Dual Tracer 11C-Choline and FDG-PET in the Diagnosis of Biochemical Prostate Cancer Relapse After Radical Treatment. Mol Imaging Biol 12, 210–217 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11307-009-0243-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11307-009-0243-y

Key words

  • PET
  • FDG
  • 11C-Choline
  • Prostate cancer
  • Relapse
  • Early detection
  • PSA