The investigators will evaluate a novel second-generation low-molecular-weight prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based positron emission tomography (PET) agent, 18F-DCFPyL, to determine the presence or absence of cancer, the accurate distribution of cancer and the normal biodistribution of PSMA in the abdomen and pelvis on PET imaging.
PSMA, also known as folate hydrolase 1 and glutamate carboxypeptidase II, is an enzyme associated with prostate cancer but has been also found to be expressed in the tumor neovasculature of many different types of non-prostate cancer tumors. PSMA-based 18F-DCFPyL PET demonstrates very high tumor-to-background ratio when studied in other tumors, including prostate tumors.
MR imaging is a highly sensitive and specific imaging modality that can be used for gynecologic cancers. MR images can be obtained in conjunction with PSMA PET, adding additional anatomic and multi-parametric MRI information without the need for a second imaging appointment.
