Molecular imaging looks potentially more accurate in prostate cancer

Men with localized prostate cancer whose biopsies put them at high risk for their disease spreading typically get CT and bone scans after surgery. A new study of 300 men suggests molecular imaging might be more accurate at spotting metastasis. The technique combines PET scans with CT: PET lights up when it sees a radioactive substance that detects prostate-specific membrane antigen, a molecule high in prostate cancer cells; CT reveals organs in greater detail. Half the men got molecular imaging and half got standard CT; then the groups switched. The molecular PET imaging was more accurate than CT alone at detecting cancer spread, by 92% versus 65%. Two unanswered questions: How much more would it cost and will the men live longer?