Diagnostic Accuracy of [18F]-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT in Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy: Is Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection Still Necessary?

Abstract

PURPOSE Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) remains standard for nodal staging in prostate cancer (PCa), yet its benefit in intermediate-risk PCa is controversial. Traditional imaging and nomograms often lack accuracy, resulting in unnecessary PLND. Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) is a promising alternative. We compared its diagnostic performance and clinical utility with established risk models in intermediate-risk PCa. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed intermediate-risk PCa patients who underwent [18F]-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT and radical prostatectomy with bilateral PLND between January 2022 and December 2023. PSMA PET/CT results were classified as positive or negative for nodal involvement. Diagnostic performance was compared to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), the Briganti 2012, Briganti 2023 nomograms and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center nomogram by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, balanced accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS Among 189 patients, 28 (15%) had PSMA-positive lymph nodes. Pathology confirmed metastases in 4 PSMA-positive patients (PPV: 14%, 95%CI: 7.1-22%) and 1 PSMA-negative patient (NPV: 99%, 95%CI: 98-100%). PSMA PET/CT demonstrated 80% sensitivity (95%CI: 40-100%), 87% specificity (95%CI: 82-91%), balanced accuracy of 83% (95%CI: 63-95%), and an AUC of 0.83 (95%CI: 0.64-1), outperforming other models. PSMA would have safely omitted PLND in 160 of 161 (99%) PSMA-negative cases, while mpMRI detected no positive nodes. CONCLUSIONS PSMA PET/CT, with high specificity and NPV, may safely guide PLND omission in PSMA-negative patients. Prospective validation is warranted.