Evaluation of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/CT images acquired with a reduced scan time duration in prostate cancer patients using the digital biograph vision

Abstract Aim [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT allows for a superior detection of prostate cancer tissue, especially in the context low tumor burden. Digital bears potential reducing scan time duration/administered tracer activity due to, instance, its higher sensitivity and improved coincidence resolution. It might thereby expand that is currently limited by Ge/ Ga-generator yield. Our aim was to clinically evaluate influence reduced duration combination with different image reconstruction algorithms on diagnostic performance. Methods Twenty patients (11 biochemical recurrence, 5 initial staging, 4 metastatic disease) sequentially underwent digital Siemens Biograph Vision. PET data were collected continuous-bed-motion mode mean 16.7 min (reference acquisition protocol) 4.6 (reduced protocol). Four iterative applied using time-of-flight (TOF) approach alone or combined point-spread-function (PSF) correction, each 2 iterations. To performance, following metrics chosen: (a) per-region detectability, (b) maximum peak standardized uptake values (SUVmax SUVpeak), (c) noise liver’s distribution. Results Overall, 98% regions (91% affected regions) correctly classified protocol independent algorithm. Two nodal lesions (each ≤ mm) not identified (leading downstaging 1/20 cases). Mean absolute percentage deviation SUVmax (SUVpeak) approximately 9% (6%) The increased from 13 21% (4 iterations) 10 15% (2 PSF + TOF images. Conclusions High agreement at 3.5-fold reduction terms (98% quantification (mean 10%) demonstrated; however, small can be missed about 10% leading (T1N0M0 instead T1N1M0) 5% patients. results suggest administered activities considered patients, where missing would impact patient management. Limitations include heterogeneous sample size lack follow-up.