FEC-PET/MRI: Clinical Value of FEC-PET Combined With Endorectal MRI for Pre-therapeutic Staging of Prostate Cancer

Sponsor
Dr. Markus Hartenbach (Other)
Overall Status
Completed
CT.gov ID
NCT00520546
Collaborator
(none)
44
1
1
42
1

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

To investigate the sensitivity of the [18F]fluoroethylcholine (FEC) Positron-Emission-Tomography/ Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) method in tumour detection and location (side assignment, encapsulation, invasion of the seminal vesicle) and detection of affected lymph nodes, and to compare these with presently used detection procedures (needle biopsy, digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound, and pre-therapeutic assessment), with a view to finding out whether the [18F]fluoroethylcholine PET/MRI method is comparable to, or superior to, the established method. Postoperative histology served as the standard of reference.

Condition or Disease Intervention/Treatment Phase
  • Other: 18F-Ethylcholine Positron Emission Tomography (FEC-PET)
  • Other: Endorectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (1.5Tesla) (eMRI)
Phase 3

Detailed Description

Prostate carcinoma is today in Germany the most frequently diagnosed cancer disease of men and is - after bronchial carcinoma - their second most frequent cause of cancer-related death. Around 22% of all new cancer diagnoses among males are prostate-related. This corresponds to an age-adjusted incidence rate of nearly 100 per 100,000 males in the population, and to well above 40,000 new diagnoses of prostate cancer per year [Robert-Koch-Institut, 2010]. The dramatic increase in recent decades is attributable more to improved diagnostic methods and a generally increased life expectancy than to an actual increase in the incidence of disease [Robert-Koch-Institut, 2010].

The total annual mortality rate is around 11,000 [Statistisches Bundesamt, 1994]. Prostate carcinoma is virtually unknown among men under 40 years of age. The annual prevalence rises with increasing age - between the 40th and 80th years of life by a factor of more than 1000. Autopsies have shown that among men over 70 up to 80% have a latent prostate carcinoma, without it being fatal [Breslow 1977; Börgemann, 2006]. The patients' average age at diagnosis is 71 years.

The five-year prostate-cancer-specific survival rate after diagnosis is about 80-99% for tumours that are restricted to the gland itself [Porter, 2006]. For disseminated tumours this figure is considerably smaller, not more than 35% [von Eschenbach, 1996]. A prospect of complete regression exists only for non-metastasing carcinomas, but there it is quite good: under aggressive treatment, 90% of cancers restricted to the prostate itself can be completely cured, as can 50% of those that have crossed the gland's capsule [Deutsche Gesellschaft für Urologie, 2009].

At present, there is a lack of adequate pre-therapeutic staging methods. This in turn often prevents the reliable choice of a stage-adapted therapeutic regimen, which could possibly offer a better prognosis even for carcinomas extending into neighbouring organs. A consequence of this uncertainty is that in individual cases the therapy is not ideally suited to the stage of disease, and the success of radiation treatment, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy can only approximately be matched with the stage of dissemination. Until now, the only reliable method for lymph-node diagnosis is operative staging by lymphadenectomy. No reliable diagnostic method is available by which the degree of spreading of the tumour within the prostate can be established.

In this context, Positron-Emission-Tomography (PET) examination with radioactively labelled choline appears to offer a promising primary imaging-diagnostic staging method, as indicated by the studies reviewed below. This diagnostic method as applied to humans was first described by Gauthier et al. [1985]. This was followed by two detailed reports from a Japanese group: Hara et al. [1997] first investigated the potential of [11C]choline in brain tumours and found a clear enrichment of this marker in the tumours of 24 patients, while normal brain tissue was not enriched with it. In a subsequent study by the same group [Hara, 1998], the enrichment of fluorodeoxyglucose was compared with the choline uptake in the lesions of ten prostate-cancer patients. Thus, the choline enrichment (SUV, standardised uptake value) was 3.48 ± 1.31 in 43 lesions, while in the normal environment of the lesser pelvis the corresponding value was below 1.0. De Jong et al. [2003] investigated 67 patients, of whom 15 had histologically confirmed lymph-node metastases: the [11C]choline test gave a 'true positive' result in 12 of 15 patients and a 'false negative' in 3 patients, thus indicating that [11C]choline PET is sufficiently sensitive and specific for the pre-operative staging of lymph-node metastases of prostate carcinoma. In a pre-operative staging using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with a combined endorectal and body-phased-array coil, Pegios et al. [2003] investigated 42 patients with strong clinical suspicion, or with needle-biopsy confirmation, of prostate cancer and were able to differentiate between stages of extracapsular growth and seminal-vesicle infiltration (tumor stage T2 versus T3 [T2=tumor restricted to the gland itself; T3a=extracapsule growing of the tumor; T3b= tumor infiltration into the seminal-vesicles]) with an accuracy of 94-97% (sensitivity 100%, specificity between 87% and 93% for observers 1 and 2). The exact, local tumour stage was identified with an accuracy of 75%. However, for lymph-node infiltration a sensitivity of only 25% was achieved: one of four lymph-node-positive patients was correctly identified. In a more recent study, a Japanese group [Yamaguchi, 2005] investigated the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and choline-PET in 20 patients with needle-biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer. The PET imaging achieved a sensitivity of 100%, NMR (quotient [(creatine + choline) / citrate]) 65% and unsupported MRI 60%. For 16 patients radical prostatectomy was performed; results correlated with those of pre-operative local staging with PET by 81%, and with MRI by 50%. The site of choline uptakes in PET was visualised by MRI using the distance of the prostate from the femoral head and the pubic symphysis.At present, no data relevant for the present study indication are available on the software-fused imaging by combined PET/MRI. The combination of high-resolution endorectal MRI with functional PET imaging could come to offer a decisive advantage in the staging of prostate carcinoma. The present study was designed to test this in an appropriate patient population.

A system combining PET and MRI was recently granted approval in the U.S.A. by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA, 2011].

Study Design

Study Type:
Interventional
Actual Enrollment :
44 participants
Allocation:
N/A
Intervention Model:
Single Group Assignment
Masking:
None (Open Label)
Primary Purpose:
Diagnostic
Official Title:
Clinical Value of [18]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography Combined With Endorectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging by Software Fusion for Pre-therapeutic Staging of Prostate Cancer
Study Start Date :
Dec 1, 2007
Actual Primary Completion Date :
Feb 1, 2011
Actual Study Completion Date :
Jun 1, 2011

Arms and Interventions

Arm Intervention/Treatment
Experimental: 1

Patients with prostate carcinoma confirmed by needle biopsy, age >50 years, planned radical prostatectomy with lymph-node dissection, fasting for >12 hours before FEC-PET and an interval between biopsy and PET >3 weeks.

Other: 18F-Ethylcholine Positron Emission Tomography (FEC-PET)
PET scans were performed on a LSO scanner (ECAT ACCEL, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) by using a multiphase protocol starting with a "cold" transmission scan of the lower pelvis. This was followed by a list mode emission scan with 10 frames à 1 minute starting immediately after the administration of 3.3MBq [18F]Fluoroethylcholine chloride (FEC; Eckert & Ziegler EURO-PET Berlin GmbH) as a bolus through the cubital vein. After a short gap due to computer processing time the whole body scan was performed starting at the upper thoracic aperture down to the proximal femur. Acquisition parameters were 3 minutes emission scan and 2 minutes transmission scan for each bed position. Therefore the prostate region was scanned again at 45 minutes p.i. (post injection) A delayed local acquisition at 65 minutes over the lower pelvis with 6 minutes emission and 2 minutes transmission finished the diagnostic acquisition procedure.

Other: Endorectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (1.5Tesla) (eMRI)
The MRI examination was performed on a 1.5Tesla MRI system (Gyroscan ACS-NT, Philips, Hamburg, Germany) with combined QBody and endorectal coil. Pelvic assessment and lymph node staging was effected with 5mm T2 weighted (T2w) turbo spin echo (TSE) transversal and a coronal short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence. For prostate assessment, 3mm endorectal T2w spin echo (SE) sagittal, transversal and coronal sequences were acquired.

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

  1. Number of Participants With Positive or Negative Results in PET, MRI or PET/MRI for Prostate Cancer Compared to Histological Findings [within < 2 weeks after PET/MRI]

    PET positive lesions were measured on its own and evaluated as malignant just as hypointense lesions on MRI. In PET/MRI analysis, MRI suspect lesions without FEC uptake were considered not to be malignant. PET positive lesions in central periurethral zone with inhomogenous signal intensity and sharp edges on MRI images were also considered to be benign. PET positive lesions in the peripheral zone without a hypointense correlate on MRI were considered to be malignant. At least 1 histological confirmed cancer lesion has to be detected by each of the 3 methods to be patient based true positive.

Secondary Outcome Measures

  1. Lesion Based Analysis of FEC-PET, Endorectal MRI and Combined FEC-PET/eMRI in All Patients [within < 2 weeks after PET/MRI]

    PET positive lesions (n=128) were measured on its own and evaluated as malignant just as hypointense lesions on MRI. In PET/MRI analysis, MRI suspect lesions without FEC uptake were considered not to be malignant. PET positive lesions in central periurethral zone with inhomogenous signal intensity and sharp edges on MRI images were also considered to be benign. PET positive lesions in the peripheral zone without a hypointense correlate on MRI were considered to be malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative and positive predictive values were determined.

  2. Lesion Based Analysis of FEC-PET, Endorectal MRI and Combined FEC-PET/eMRI in Patients With Gleason Score >6 (3+3) [within < 2 weeks after PET/MRI]

    PET positive lesions in patients with Gleason >6(3+3),n=43 were measured on its own and evaluated as malignant just as hypointense lesions on MRI. In PET/MRI analysis, MRI suspect lesions without FEC uptake were considered not to be malignant. PET positive lesions in central periurethral zone with inhomogenous signal intensity and sharp edges on MRI images were also considered to be benign. PET positive lesions in the peripheral zone without a hypointense correlate on MRI were considered to be malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative & positive predictive values were determined.

  3. Lesion Based Analysis of FEC-PET, Endorectal MRI and Combined FEC-PET/eMRI in Patients With Malignant Lesions >5mm (n=98) [within < 2 weeks after PET/MRI]

    PET positive lesions were measured on its own and evaluated as malignant just as hypointense lesions on MRI. In PET/MRI analysis, MRI suspect lesions without FEC uptake were considered not to be malignant. PET positive lesions in central periurethral zone with inhomogenous signal intensity and sharp edges on MRI images were also considered to be benign. PET positive lesions in the peripheral zone without a hypointense correlate on MRI were considered to be malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative and positive predictive values were determined without malign lesions <=5mm.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study:
50 Years and Older
Sexes Eligible for Study:
Male
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
No
Inclusion Criteria:
  • Histologically diagnosed prostate cancer (needle biopsy)

  • Radical prostatectomy as primary treatment

  • No nutrition within 12 hours before Positron-Emission-Tomography (PET)

  • No food containing choline within 24 hous before PET

  • Age > 50 years

Exclusion Criteria:
  • Total endo-prothesis of the hip region

  • Clinical or chemical detection of an acute infection

  • Missing patient agreement

  • Secondary cancer

  • Surgical treatment within 3 month before PET

  • Claustrophobia

  • Medical drugs with choline

  • Severe liver damage

  • Cardiac infarction

  • Bradycardia (pulse rate < 55/min)

  • Allergic reaction against Neurotropan

  • Bronchial asthma

  • Cardiac pacemaker

  • Small metal implants (e.g., clips, cochlea-implants, etc.)

Contacts and Locations

Locations

Site City State Country Postal Code
1 German Federal Armed Forces Hospital Ulm Baden-Württemberg Germany D 89081

Sponsors and Collaborators

  • Dr. Markus Hartenbach

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Markus Hartenbach, Dr., German Federal Armed Forces Hospital, Ulm, Dep. of Nuclear Medicine
  • Study Director: Christoph Sparwasser, Prof. Dr., German Federal Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, Dep. of Urology

Study Documents (Full-Text)

None provided.

More Information

Publications

Responsible Party:
Dr. Markus Hartenbach, Major Medical Corps and assistant medical director of the nuclear medicine department, German Federal Armed Forces
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT00520546
Other Study ID Numbers:
  • 12K3-S-140708
  • 2006-003933-33
First Posted:
Aug 24, 2007
Last Update Posted:
Jun 20, 2012
Last Verified:
Jun 1, 2012
Keywords provided by Dr. Markus Hartenbach, Major Medical Corps and assistant medical director of the nuclear medicine department, German Federal Armed Forces
Additional relevant MeSH terms:

Study Results

Participant Flow

Recruitment Details Enrollment of first patient: 18th. December, 2007 Completion by last patient: 12th. January, 2011 Single Center Study at Federal Armed Forces Hospital Ulm
Pre-assignment Detail 44 patients were enrolled, 38 patients completed the study. 1 patient decided not to choose prostatectomy after Positron-Emission-Tomography/ Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI), although it was planned at point of enrollment. 5 patients did not get a PET/MRI-can because of failed radiopharmaceutical synthesis of [18F]fluoroethylcholine (FEC).
Arm/Group Title FEC-PET/eMRI
Arm/Group Description The day before surgery, fasting patients received a bladder catheter right before Positron-Emission-Tomography/ Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) examination to avoid different sizes of the urinary bladder in PET and MRI scan and to reduce bladder FEC-activity overlay of the prostate. After applying the endorectal MRI coil patients were positioned in a vacuum mattress on MRI table. Additionally, 4 PET/MRI multimodality spot markers containing 37kBq [22Na] and a MRI T2w (T2 weighed) hyperintense gel were attached at the hip region to allow landmark PET/MRI fusion. After MRI acquisition the modular MRI table was fixed on the PET table system. Patients kept in the same position during the whole procedure. PET scans were performed by using a multiphase protocol starting with a list mode emission scan immediately after the administration of 3.3MBq [18F]fluoroethylcholine (FEC) as a bolus through the cubital vein.
Period Title: Overall Study
STARTED 44
COMPLETED 38
NOT COMPLETED 6

Baseline Characteristics

Arm/Group Title FEC-PET/eMRI
Arm/Group Description The day before surgery, fasting patients received a bladder catheter right before Positron-Emission-Tomography/ Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) examination to avoid different sizes of the urinary bladder in PET and MRI scan and to reduce bladder FEC-activity overlay of the prostate. After applying the endorectal MRI coil patients were positioned in a vacuum mattress on MRI table. Additionally, 4 PET/MRI multimodality spot markers containing 37kBq [22Na] and a MRI T2w (T2 weighed) hyperintense gel were attached at the hip region to allow landmark PET/MRI fusion. After MRI acquisition the modular MRI table was fixed on the PET table system. Patients kept in the same position during the whole procedure. PET scans were performed by using a multiphase protocol starting with a list mode emission scan immediately after the administration of 3.3MBq [18F]fluoroethylcholine (FEC) as a bolus through the cubital vein.
Overall Participants 44
Age (Count of Participants)
<=18 years
0
0%
Between 18 and 65 years
23
52.3%
>=65 years
21
47.7%
Age (years) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
Mean (Standard Deviation) [years]
65
(6)
Sex: Female, Male (Count of Participants)
Female
0
0%
Male
44
100%
Region of Enrollment (participants) [Number]
Germany
44
100%

Outcome Measures

1. Primary Outcome
Title Number of Participants With Positive or Negative Results in PET, MRI or PET/MRI for Prostate Cancer Compared to Histological Findings
Description PET positive lesions were measured on its own and evaluated as malignant just as hypointense lesions on MRI. In PET/MRI analysis, MRI suspect lesions without FEC uptake were considered not to be malignant. PET positive lesions in central periurethral zone with inhomogenous signal intensity and sharp edges on MRI images were also considered to be benign. PET positive lesions in the peripheral zone without a hypointense correlate on MRI were considered to be malignant. At least 1 histological confirmed cancer lesion has to be detected by each of the 3 methods to be patient based true positive.
Time Frame within < 2 weeks after PET/MRI

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
Comparison of imaging results (FEC-PET, MRI and PET/MRI) with postoperative histological findings (all patients).
Arm/Group Title [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Arm/Group Description PET scans were performed on a LSO scanner (ECAT ACCEL, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) by using a multiphase protocol starting with a "cold" transmission scan of the lower pelvis. This was followed by a list mode emission scan with 10 frames à 1 minute starting immediately after the administration of 3.3MBq [18F]Fluoroethylcholine chloride (FEC; Eckert & Ziegler EURO-PET Berlin GmbH) as a bolus through the cubital vein. Acquisition parameters were 3 minutes emission scan and 2 minutes transmission scan for each bed position. Therefore the prostate region was scanned again at 45 minutes p.i. (post injection) A delayed local acquisition at 65 minutes over the lower pelvis with 6 minutes emission and 2 minutes transmission finished the diagnostic acquisition procedure. The MRI examination was performed on a 1.5Tesla MRI system (Gyroscan ACS-NT, Philips, Hamburg, Germany) with combined QBody and endorectal coil. Pelvic assessment and lymph node staging was effected with 5mm T2 weighted (T2w) turbo spin echo (TSE) transversal and a coronal short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence. For prostate assessment, 3mm endorectal T2 weighed (T2w) spin echo (SE) sagittal, transversal and coronal sequences were acquired. Transversal sequences were angulated 90° to intraprostatic bladder catheter to allow exact correlation with histological holoptical slices. PET images at 45 min p.i. (post injection) and 65 min p.i. were fused with transversal endorectal and QBody T2 weighed (T2w) MRI images by using Hermes Medical Solutions Multi Modality landmark fusion tool. The four PET/MRI spot markers served as references. Without any patient movement between both modalities the fused images fitted exactly.
Measure Participants 38 38 38
True Positive
36
81.8%
26
NaN
35
NaN
False Positive
1
2.3%
1
NaN
0
NaN
True Negative
0
0%
0
NaN
1
NaN
False Negative
1
2.3%
11
NaN
2
NaN
Total True
36
81.8%
27
NaN
36
NaN
Total False
2
4.5%
11
NaN
2
NaN
Statistical Analysis 1
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments results from FEC-PET as compared with histological results on a patient based analysis Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.0526
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter sensitivity
Estimated Value 97
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
86 to 100
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 2
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments results from FEC-PET as compared with histological results on a patient based analysis Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.0526
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter specificity
Estimated Value 0
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
0 to 98
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 3
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments results from FEC-PET as compared with histological results on a patient based analysis Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.0526
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter accuracy
Estimated Value 95
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
82 to 99
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 4
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments results from MRI as compared with histological results on a patient based analysis Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.0001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter sensitivity
Estimated Value 70
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
53 to 84
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 5
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments results from MRI as compared with histological results on a patient based analysis Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.0001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter specificity
Estimated Value 0
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
0 to 98
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 6
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments results from MRI as compared with histological results on a patient based analysis Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.0001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter accuracy
Estimated Value 68
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
51 to 83
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 7
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments results from PET/MRI as compared with histological results on a patient based analysis Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.0043
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter sensitivity
Estimated Value 95
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
82 to 99
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 8
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments results from PET/MRI as compared with histological results on a patient based analysis Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.0043
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter specificity
Estimated Value 100
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
3 to 100
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 9
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments results from PET/MRI as compared with histological results on a patient based analysis Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.0043
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter accuracy
Estimated Value 95
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
82 to 99
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
2. Secondary Outcome
Title Lesion Based Analysis of FEC-PET, Endorectal MRI and Combined FEC-PET/eMRI in All Patients
Description PET positive lesions (n=128) were measured on its own and evaluated as malignant just as hypointense lesions on MRI. In PET/MRI analysis, MRI suspect lesions without FEC uptake were considered not to be malignant. PET positive lesions in central periurethral zone with inhomogenous signal intensity and sharp edges on MRI images were also considered to be benign. PET positive lesions in the peripheral zone without a hypointense correlate on MRI were considered to be malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative and positive predictive values were determined.
Time Frame within < 2 weeks after PET/MRI

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
Comparison of lesion based (128)imaging results (FEC-PET, MRI and PET/MRI) with postoperative histological findings (all patients = 38).
Arm/Group Title FEC-PET Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) PET/MRI
Arm/Group Description PET scans were performed on a LSO scanner (ECAT ACCEL, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) by using a multiphase protocol starting with a "cold" transmission scan of the lower pelvis. This was followed by a list mode emission scan with 10 frames à 1 minute starting immediately after the administration of 3.3MBq [18F]Fluoroethylcholine chloride (FEC; Eckert & Ziegler EURO-PET Berlin GmbH) as a bolus through the cubital vein. Acquisition parameters were 3 minutes emission scan and 2 minutes transmission scan for each bed position. Therefore the prostate region was scanned again at 45 minutes p.i. (post injection) A delayed local acquisition at 65 minutes over the lower pelvis with 6 minutes emission and 2 minutes transmission finished the diagnostic acquisition procedure. The MRI examination was performed on a 1.5Tesla MRI system (Gyroscan ACS-NT, Philips, Hamburg, Germany) with combined QBody and endorectal coil. Pelvic assessment and lymph node staging was effected with 5mm T2w TSE transversal and a coronal STIR sequence. For prostate assessment, 3mm endorectal T2w SE sagittal, transversal and coronal sequences were acquired. Transversal sequences were angulated 90° to intraprostatic bladder catheter to allow exact correlation with histological holoptical slices. PET images at 45 min p.i. and 65 min p.i. (post injection) were fused with transversal endorectal and QBody T2w MRI images by using Hermes Medical Solutions Multi Modality landmark fusion tool. The four PET/MRI spot markers served as references. Without any patient movement between both modalities the fused images fitted exactly.
Measure Participants 38 38 38
Measure lesions 128 128 128
True positive
59
40
55
False positive
26
27
8
True negative
19
18
37
False negative
24
43
28
Total true
78
58
92
Total false
50
70
36
Statistical Analysis 1
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from FEC-PET as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.09
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter positive prediction
Estimated Value 69
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 2
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from FEC-PET as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.09
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter negative prediction
Estimated Value 44
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 3
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from FEC-PET as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.09
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter sensitivity
Estimated Value 71
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 4
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from FEC-PET as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.09
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter specificity
Estimated Value 42
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 5
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from FEC-PET as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.09
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter accuracy
Estimated Value 61
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 6
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from MRI as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.27
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter positive prediction
Estimated Value 60
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 7
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from MRI as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.27
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter negative prediction
Estimated Value 30
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 8
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from MRI as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.27
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter sensitivity
Estimated Value 48
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 9
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from MRI as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.27
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter specificity
Estimated Value 40
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 10
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from MRI as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.27
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter accuracy
Estimated Value 45
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 11
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from PET/MRI as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter positive prediction
Estimated Value 87
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 12
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from PET/MRI as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter negative prediction
Estimated Value 57
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 13
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from PET/MRI as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter sensitivity
Estimated Value 66
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 14
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from PET/MRI as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter specificity
Estimated Value 82
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 15
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments lesion based (all lesions = 128) results from PET/MRI as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter accuracy
Estimated Value 72
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
3. Secondary Outcome
Title Lesion Based Analysis of FEC-PET, Endorectal MRI and Combined FEC-PET/eMRI in Patients With Gleason Score >6 (3+3)
Description PET positive lesions in patients with Gleason >6(3+3),n=43 were measured on its own and evaluated as malignant just as hypointense lesions on MRI. In PET/MRI analysis, MRI suspect lesions without FEC uptake were considered not to be malignant. PET positive lesions in central periurethral zone with inhomogenous signal intensity and sharp edges on MRI images were also considered to be benign. PET positive lesions in the peripheral zone without a hypointense correlate on MRI were considered to be malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative & positive predictive values were determined.
Time Frame within < 2 weeks after PET/MRI

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
lesion based (patients with Gleasons Score >6(3+3),n= 43) results from FEC-PET as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38). Gleason Grades: 1+2=well differentiated (rare), 3=moderately diff., 4=poorly diff., 5=undifferentiated Gleason Score = histological primary grade + secondary grade (min=2,max=10)
Arm/Group Title FEC-PET Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) PET/MRI
Arm/Group Description PET scans were performed on a LSO scanner (ECAT ACCEL, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) by using a multiphase protocol starting with a "cold" transmission scan of the lower pelvis. This was followed by a list mode emission scan with 10 frames à 1 minute starting immediately after the administration of 3.3MBq [18F]Fluoroethylcholine chloride (FEC; Eckert & Ziegler EURO-PET Berlin GmbH) as a bolus through the cubital vein. Acquisition parameters were 3 minutes emission scan and 2 minutes transmission scan for each bed position. Therefore the prostate region was scanned again at 45 minutes p.i. (post injection) A delayed local acquisition at 65 minutes over the lower pelvis with 6 minutes emission and 2 minutes transmission finished the diagnostic acquisition procedure. The MRI examination was performed on a 1.5Tesla MRI system (Gyroscan ACS-NT, Philips, Hamburg, Germany) with combined QBody and endorectal coil. Pelvic assessment and lymph node staging was effected with 5mm T2w TSE transversal and a coronal STIR sequence. For prostate assessment, 3mm endorectal T2w SE sagittal, transversal and coronal sequences were acquired. Transversal sequences were angulated 90° to intraprostatic bladder catheter to allow exact correlation with histological holoptical slices. PET images at 45 min p.i. and 65 min p.i. (post injection) were fused with transversal endorectal and QBody T2w MRI images by using Hermes Medical Solutions Multi Modality landmark fusion tool. The four PET/MRI spot markers served as references. Without any patient movement between both modalities the fused images fitted exactly.
Measure Participants 38 38 38
Measure lesions 43 43 43
True positive
27
22
27
False positive
5
9
1
True negative
8
4
11
False negative
3
8
4
Total true
35
26
38
Total false
8
17
5
Statistical Analysis 1
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter positive prediction
Estimated Value 84
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 2
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter negative prediction
Estimated Value 73
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 3
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter sensitivity
Estimated Value 90
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 4
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter specificity
Estimated Value 84
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 5
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter accuracy
Estimated Value 82
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 6
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.53
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter positive prediction
Estimated Value 71
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 7
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.53
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter negative prediction
Estimated Value 33
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 8
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.53
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter sensitivity
Estimated Value 73
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 9
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.53
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter specificity
Estimated Value 31
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 10
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.53
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter accuracy
Estimated Value 60
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 11
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter positive prediction
Estimated Value 96
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 12
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter negative prediction
Estimated Value 73
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 13
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter sensitivity
Estimated Value 87
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 14
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter specificity
Estimated Value 92
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 15
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with Gleason Score >6 (n=43) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter accuracy
Estimated Value 88
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
4. Secondary Outcome
Title Lesion Based Analysis of FEC-PET, Endorectal MRI and Combined FEC-PET/eMRI in Patients With Malignant Lesions >5mm (n=98)
Description PET positive lesions were measured on its own and evaluated as malignant just as hypointense lesions on MRI. In PET/MRI analysis, MRI suspect lesions without FEC uptake were considered not to be malignant. PET positive lesions in central periurethral zone with inhomogenous signal intensity and sharp edges on MRI images were also considered to be benign. PET positive lesions in the peripheral zone without a hypointense correlate on MRI were considered to be malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative and positive predictive values were determined without malign lesions <=5mm.
Time Frame within < 2 weeks after PET/MRI

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
lesion based (malignant lesions >5mm, n=98) results from FEC-PET as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (38)
Arm/Group Title FEC-PET Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) PET/MRI
Arm/Group Description PET scans were performed on a LSO scanner (ECAT ACCEL, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) by using a multiphase protocol starting with a "cold" transmission scan of the lower pelvis. This was followed by a list mode emission scan with 10 frames à 1 minute starting immediately after the administration of 3.3MBq [18F]Fluoroethylcholine chloride (FEC; Eckert & Ziegler EURO-PET Berlin GmbH) as a bolus through the cubital vein. Acquisition parameters were 3 minutes emission scan and 2 minutes transmission scan for each bed position. Therefore the prostate region was scanned again at 45 minutes p.i. (post injection) A delayed local acquisition at 65 minutes over the lower pelvis with 6 minutes emission and 2 minutes transmission finished the diagnostic acquisition procedure. The MRI examination was performed on a 1.5Tesla MRI system (Gyroscan ACS-NT, Philips, Hamburg, Germany) with combined QBody and endorectal coil. Pelvic assessment and lymph node staging was effected with 5mm T2w TSE transversal and a coronal STIR sequence. For prostate assessment, 3mm endorectal T2w SE sagittal, transversal and coronal sequences were acquired. Transversal sequences were angulated 90° to intraprostatic bladder catheter to allow exact correlation with histological holoptical slices. PET images at 45 min p.i. and 65 min p.i. (post injection) were fused with transversal endorectal and QBody T2w MRI images by using Hermes Medical Solutions Multi Modality landmark fusion tool. The four PET/MRI spot markers served as references. Without any patient movement between both modalities the fused images fitted exactly.
Measure Participants 38 38 38
Measure lesions 98 98 98
True positive
48
37
48
False positive
24
26
8
True negative
18
16
32
False negative
8
19
10
Total true
66
53
80
Total false
32
45
18
Statistical Analysis 1
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.002
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter positive prediction
Estimated Value 67
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 2
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.002
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter negative prediction
Estimated Value 69
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 3
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.002
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter sensitivity
Estimated Value 86
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 4
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.002
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter specificity
Estimated Value 43
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 5
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection [18F]Fluoroethylcholine Positron-Emission-Tomography (FEC-PET)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.002
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter accuracy
Estimated Value 67
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 6
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.41
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter positive prediction
Estimated Value 59
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 7
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.41
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter negative prediction
Estimated Value 46
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 8
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.41
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter sensitivity
Estimated Value 66
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 9
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.41
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter specificity
Estimated Value 38
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 10
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.41
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter accuracy
Estimated Value 54
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 11
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter positive prediction
Estimated Value 86
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 12
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter negative prediction
Estimated Value 76
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 13
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter sensitivity
Estimated Value 83
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 14
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter specificity
Estimated Value 80
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
Statistical Analysis 15
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection PositronEmissionTomography/MagneticResonanceImaging (PET/MRI)
Comments Lesion based analysis of FEC-PET, endorectal MRI and combined FEC-PET/eMRI in patients with malign lesions >5mm (n=98) as compared with histological results on a lesion based analysis of all patients (n=38) Null hypothesis: patient distribution in contingency table is incidental.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value <0.001
Comments
Method Fisher Exact
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter accuracy
Estimated Value 82
Confidence Interval () 95%
to
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments

Adverse Events

Time Frame Enrollment of first patient: 18th. December, 2007 (before PET/MRI) Completion by last patient: 12th. January, 2011 (after surgery) During the whole period (3 years, 1 month) adverse event data were collected.
Adverse Event Reporting Description
Arm/Group Title FEC-PET/eMRI
Arm/Group Description The day before surgery, fasting patients received a bladder catheter right before Positron-Emission-Tomography/ Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) examination to avoid different sizes of the urinary bladder in PET and MRI scan and to reduce bladder FEC-activity overlay of the prostate. After applying the endorectal MRI coil patients were positioned in a vacuum mattress on MRI table. Additionally, 4 PET/MRI multimodality spot markers containing 37kBq [22Na] and a MRI T2w (T2 weighed) hyperintense gel were attached at the hip region to allow landmark PET/MRI fusion. After MRI acquisition the modular MRI table was fixed on the PET table system. Patients kept in the same position during the whole procedure. PET scans were performed by using a multiphase protocol starting with a list mode emission scan immediately after the administration of 3.3MBq [18F]fluoroethylcholine (FEC) as a bolus through the cubital vein.
All Cause Mortality
FEC-PET/eMRI
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total / (NaN)
Serious Adverse Events
FEC-PET/eMRI
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total 0/39 (0%)
Other (Not Including Serious) Adverse Events
FEC-PET/eMRI
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total 0/39 (0%)

Limitations/Caveats

[Not Specified]

More Information

Certain Agreements

All Principal Investigators ARE employed by the organization sponsoring the study.

There is NOT an agreement between Principal Investigators and the Sponsor (or its agents) that restricts the PI's rights to discuss or publish trial results after the trial is completed.

Results Point of Contact

Name/Title Major Medical Corps Dr. Markus Hartenbach
Organization German Federal Armed Forces Hospital, Ulm
Phone 0049 731 1710 1851
Email markushartenbach@bundeswehr.org
Responsible Party:
Dr. Markus Hartenbach, Major Medical Corps and assistant medical director of the nuclear medicine department, German Federal Armed Forces
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT00520546
Other Study ID Numbers:
  • 12K3-S-140708
  • 2006-003933-33
First Posted:
Aug 24, 2007
Last Update Posted:
Jun 20, 2012
Last Verified:
Jun 1, 2012