Published online Feb 24, 2021. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i2.61
Peer-review started: October 10, 2020
First decision: November 12, 2020
Revised: November 16, 2020
Accepted: January 21, 2021
Article in press: January 21, 2021
Published online: February 24, 2021
Imaging has a central role in the context of focal therapy (FT) for prostate cancer (PCa). Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) is a novel imaging modality that combines the morpho-functional information of MRI with the molecular characterization of PET. Some papers reported the potential advantages of PSMA PET/MRI in different clinical scenarios. Limited evidence on PSMA PET/MRI is available in the setting of FT. PSMA PET/MRI can be an effective imaging modality for detecting primary PCa and seems to provide accurate local staging of primary PCa. PSMA PET/MRI also shows high performance for restaging and detecting tumor recurrence. The higher soft-tissue contrast and the reduction of ionizing radiation are the main advantages reported in the literature compared to PET/computed tomography. PSMA PET/MRI could represent a turning point in the management of patients with PCa in the context of FT. Further studies are needed to confirm its applications in this specific clinical setting.
Core Tip: Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging can be an effective imaging modality for detecting primary and recurrent prostate cancer, besides it seems to provide accurate local staging and restaging. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is considered the standard imaging modality in the context of focal therapy; however, the diagnostic performance of prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging make it an excellent candidate as a technique of choice in this setting.