Comparative Detection Performance of PSMA and Non-PSMA PET Tracers in Recurrent and Primary Prostate Cancer: A...

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) tracers have reshaped prostate cancer (PC) imaging, supplementing non-PSMA options such as choline-based agents. However, direct comparative performance data across tracers remain scarce, leaving the optimal choice uncertain. We therefore conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess detection rates (DRs) among PET tracers used for primary and biochemically recurrent PC.

Following PRISMA-NMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov through March 2025 for studies comparing 2 PET tracers for prostate cancer. The primary outcome was DR, defined as the proportion of PET-positive patients or lesions. Two reviewers independently extracted data on study design, patient demographics, and imaging parameters, and evaluated quality with QUADAS-2. We performed frequentist random-effects NMA to calculate relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs, using 68 Ga-PSMA-11 as reference.

Nineteen studies (1681 patients) addressed biochemical recurrence, and 6 (271 patients) targeted primary PC, with 2 overlapping. Risk of bias was low for most domains, though some uncertainty remained for reference standards and timing. In biochemically recurrent PC, PSMA-directed tracers achieved higher DRs than non-PSMA probes. Within the PSMA tracers, 64 Cu-PSMA-617 achieved the highest estimated DR, followed by 18 F-DCFPyL, 18 F-PSMA-1007, and 68 Ga-PSMA-11. Both 18 F-PSMA-1007 and 18 F-DCFPyL showed higher DRs than 68 Ga-PSMA-11 in primary and recurrent PC.

PSMA tracers outperform non-PSMA alternatives for detecting biochemical recurrence. Among PSMA tracers, 18 F-labeled agents consistently surpass 68 Ga-PSMA-11 in both biochemically recurrent and primary PC. When available, 18 F-labeled PSMA tracers should be preferred.