The Predictive Value of Preoperative Negative Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography Imaging for Lymph Node Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Abstract

In patients with high risk prostate cancer, extended pelvic lymph node dissection remains the gold standard staging method, as pelvic lymph node metastases are frequently missed in those with no lymph node metastatic prostate cancer on prostate specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography. Patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer and a radiological T-stage <rT3 on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging are potential candidates to withhold an extended pelvic lymph node dissection in the presence of a "negative for lymph node metastases" prostate specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography.