64 Cu-PSMA-617 shows highest detection rates in biochemically recurrent prostate cancer

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Clinical nuclear medicine Published June 1, 2026 Medically reviewed June 1, 2026 Study authors: Huang Yu-Erh, Huang Cheng-Kai, Huang Ya-Ting, Tseng Jing-Ren PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ By Dr. Lars van Dijk, PhD · Surgical, Procedural & Diagnostic

Key Takeaway

Consider that 64 Cu-PSMA-617 may have the highest detection rates in biochemically recurrent prostate cancer, but evidence is uncertain.

This is a systematic review and network meta-analysis of PSMA-directed PET tracers for prostate cancer, including 68 Ga-PSMA-11, 64 Cu-PSMA-617, 18 F-DCFPyL, and 18 F-PSMA-1007. The analysis compared detection rates against non-PSMA tracers in patients with primary and biochemically recurrent prostate cancer, with a total sample of 1681 patients (1681 for biochemical recurrence, 271 for primary PC, with 2 overlapping). The authors synthesized that PSMA-directed tracers achieved higher detection rates than non-PSMA probes, with relative risks reported but absolute numbers not reported. Among PSMA tracers in biochemically recurrent disease, 64 Cu-PSMA-617 achieved the highest estimated detection rate, followed by 18 F-DCFPyL, 18 F-PSMA-1007, and 68 Ga-PSMA-11. In primary prostate cancer, both 18 F-PSMA-1007 and 18 F-DCFPyL showed higher detection rates than 68 Ga-PSMA-11. The authors acknowledge some uncertainty remained for reference standards and timing. Safety data were not reported. The practice relevance suggests that when available, 18 F-labeled PSMA tracers should be preferred, though the evidence is not definitive.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

Sample sizen = 1,681

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedJun 2026

PMID41945370

View Original Abstract ↓

PURPOSE: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) tracers have reshaped prostate cancer (PC) imaging, supplementing non-PSMA options such as choline-based agents. However, direct comparative performance data across tracers remain scarce, leaving the optimal choice uncertain. We therefore conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess detection rates (DRs) among PET tracers used for primary and biochemically recurrent PC. METHODS: Following PRISMA-NMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov through March 2025 for studies comparing 2 PET tracers for prostate cancer. The primary outcome was DR, defined as the proportion of PET-positive patients or lesions. Two reviewers independently extracted data on study design, patient demographics, and imaging parameters, and evaluated quality with QUADAS-2. We performed frequentist random-effects NMA to calculate relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs, using 68 Ga-PSMA-11 as reference. RESULTS: Nineteen studies (1681 patients) addressed biochemical recurrence, and 6 (271 patients) targeted primary PC, with 2 overlapping. Risk of bias was low for most domains, though some uncertainty remained for reference standards and timing. In biochemically recurrent PC, PSMA-directed tracers achieved higher DRs than non-PSMA probes. Within the PSMA tracers, 64 Cu-PSMA-617 achieved the highest estimated DR, followed by 18 F-DCFPyL, 18 F-PSMA-1007, and 68 Ga-PSMA-11. Both 18 F-PSMA-1007 and 18 F-DCFPyL showed higher DRs than 68 Ga-PSMA-11 in primary and recurrent PC. CONCLUSIONS: PSMA tracers outperform non-PSMA alternatives for detecting biochemical recurrence. Among PSMA tracers, 18 F-labeled agents consistently surpass 68 Ga-PSMA-11 in both biochemically recurrent and primary PC. When available, 18 F-labeled PSMA tracers should be preferred.