Dr. Garg on the Need for Novel Imaging Techniques in nmCRPC

Natasha Garg, DO, medical oncologist, assistant clinical professor, Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, discusses the utility of novel imaging techniques in patients with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC).

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and fluciclovine F18 (Axumin) positron emission tomography (PET) scans are novel imaging techniques that have the potential to redefine and improve treatment for patients with nmCRPC, according to Garg. 

Performing a high-sensitivity PSMA PET scan on patients with nonmetastatic disease will likely identify metastatic disease and lead to reclassification and treatment modification, Garg notes. However, reclassification does not change the available evidence, and as such, conventional imaging is still utilized to classify patients, Garg adds.

Future clinical trials can help clarify the utility of these novel high-sensitivity scans in a way that will help to better inform treatment decisions, Garg concludes.