Imaging with radiolabelled monoclonal antibody (MUJ591) to prostate-specific membrane antigen in staging of clinically localized prostatic carcinoma: comparison with clinical, surgical and histological staging.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of prostate scintigraphy using a radiolabelled antibody (MUJ591) raised against the external domain of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in the staging of early prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of 16 patients who had radical retropubic prostatectomies (median PSA 9.75 ng/mL). All patients underwent PSMA imaging using MUJ591 radiolabelled with (99m)Tc using a photo-reduction technique. RESULTS: The findings of prostate imaging and histology were identical in seven patients. Scans showed understaging and overstaging in six and three patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PSMA scintigraphy using (99m)Tc-labelled MUJ591 identifies the presence of prostate cancer, but is not sensitive in delineating micro-invasion of the capsule, seminal vesicles or bladder neck. As in other studies it seems to be useful in detecting prostate bed recurrence and distant micrometastasis.