Diagnostic performance of Gallium-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography-computed tomography in intermediate and high risk prostate cancer.

Gallium-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography-computed tomography (Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT) is an imaging modality that promises improved sensitivity and specificity of detection of prostate cancer lesions based on their increased uptake of PSMA-based radiotracers. It remains an emerging modality that has not yet been endorsed in the guidelines for the management of prostate cancer pending more established evidence to prove its efficacy. The objective of the study is to assess the value of Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT in the detection and localization of patients diagnosed with intermediate or high risk prostate cancer.Twenty three patients with intermediate or high risk prostate cancer had undergone Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT imaging prior to robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. Surgical specimens were then submitted for histological examinations. Lesions visualized on PET/CT and histology were independently mapped unto a 36-segment (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 [PI-RADS v.2]) map of the prostate. Concordance of visualization on PET/CT as compared to the histology as gold standard reference was then assessed. Lesions visualized on PET/CT and histology were independently mapped unto a 36-segment (PI-RADS v.2) map of the prostate. Concordance of visualization on PET/CT as compared to the histology as gold standard reference was then assessed.Sensitivity for all lesions identified on Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT was 42.37%; specificity was 88.61%. Both parameters were higher when considering only index lesions for which sensitivity was 68.42% and specificity was 98.23%. Sensitivity for the index lesions in intermediate risk group was 53.2% and was higher in the high risk group reaching 83.33%.Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT provides accurate localization of tumor lesions in patients with intermediate and high risk prostate cancer.

Vocal changes in patients with prostate cancer following androgen ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of vocal symptoms and parameters in patients with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male patients aged 60-83 years were recruited for this study. The subjects were divided into two groups: one group consisted of 18 patients with prostate cancer treated with ADT using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and the other group consisted of 14 controls matched according to age. Demographic data included age, history of smoking, reflux, and duration of therapy. The reported phonatory symptoms were hoarseness, inability to project the voice, and vocal fatigue. Patients also underwent acoustic analysis, and the following acoustic variables were measured: fundamental frequency, relative average perturbation, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, and voice turbulence index. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, there was no statistical difference in any of the phonatory symptoms. The habitual pitch was significantly higher in the prostate cancer group compared with the controls (131.76 vs 114.11 Hz), with a P value of 0.021. There was also a significant increase in all the perturbation parameters, namely, relative average perturbation and shimmer, with a significant difference with respect to the latter (P value=0.014). There was also a significant increase in the noise-to-harmonic ratio (P value=0.014). CONCLUSION: The administration of ADT for patients with prostate cancer can affect the habitual pitch. However, there are no noticeable vocal changes reported by the patients.