Definition |
The standard workup to detect PCa metastases usually includes bone scan and abdominopelvic CT. However,because biochemical failure after RP or radiation therapy precedes clinical metastases by 7-8 years on average, the diagnostic yield of usual imaging techniques is poor in asymptomatic patients . In men with PSA-only relapse after RP, the probability of a positive bone scan is < 5%, when the PSA level is < 7 ng/mL. A PSA doubling time (PSA-DT) < 6 months or a PSA velocity > 0.5 ng/mL/month are predictors of positive bone scan.
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