Access Program Information
When evaluating prostate cancer patients for recurrent disease, computed tomography (CT),
and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are both highly sensitive methods for detecting lymph
nodes, but are not specific as to whether the lymph nodes are malignant or benign.
While positron emission tomography (PET) utilizing radioactive glucose (FDG) has
revolutionized staging, restaging, and monitoring response to therapy in many prevalent
cancers such as breast, colorectal, esophageal, head and neck, lung, lymphoma, and melanoma,
findings with prostate cancer have proven less sensitive because prostate cancer has a lower
avidity for glucose. A newer PET isotope, utilizing acetate that is incorporated into the
cell membrane of rapidly proliferating cells, has shown greater sensitivity than FDG in
detecting prostate cancer.
This study will assess the clinical effectiveness of utilizing [11C]Acetate PET scans in
identifying recurrent prostate cancer.