Diagnostic Performance of PET/CT Using 18F-FACBC in Prostate Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Diagnostic performance of PET/CT using 18F-fluciclovine (18F-FACBC) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) has been evaluated in only a few studies. There is no consensus on the diagnostic value of 18F-FACBC PET/CT in PCa recurrence or metastasis (except for bone metastasis), the primary diagnosis of the lesion. Hence, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of 18F-FACBC PET/CT. Methods: The literature published from June 2015 to June 2019 on using 18F-FACBC PET/CT for the diagnosis of PCa was retrieved from PubMed and EMBASE. Pooled sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR–), area under the curve (AUC), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 18F-FACBC PET/CT in patients with PCa were calculated. An SROC map was made, and a meta-regression analysis was carried out. A Fagan plot and likelihood ratio dot plot were drawn. Sensitivity and funnel plot analysis were made. Meta-disc, Review Manager 5.3, and STATA 13 were used for the meta-analysis. Results: A total of nine articles met the strict criteria for diagnostic meta-analysis, which included 363 patients and 345 lesions. Pooled Sen, Spe, LR+, LR–, DOR were 0.88, 0.73, 3.3, 0.17, and 20, respectively. Lesions detected on the PET/CT image included primary lesions and metastases. For the lesion, the doctors considered the abnormal part as a lesion on the PET/CT image by their own experience and expertise, including primary lesions and metastases. For the patient, patients who participated in the trial can be diagnosed as PCa through 18F-FACBC. Conclusion: This study comprehensively evaluated the diagnostic value of 18F-FACBC PET/CT on PCa. Our analysis suggests that 18F-FACBC PET/CT is a valuable agent in diagnosing PCa. More studies are needed for further validation.