Clinical Report: Radiotheranostic Approaches Using FAP Inhibitors for Imaging Tumors
Overview
This review discusses the use of fibroblast activation protein inhibitors (FAPIs) in imaging tumor stroma and directing radionuclide treatment. FAPI PET provides high lesion-to-background contrast in various cancers.
Background
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is expressed in activated fibroblasts within tumors. The development of FAPI PET imaging represents an advancement in identifying and treating cancers.
Data Highlights
No numerical data or trial data provided in the source material.
Key Findings
FAPI PET can complement FDG PET by providing high contrast in desmoplastic and low-FDG-avid tumors.
FAPI uptake is not tumor-specific and can occur in benign fibro-inflammatory conditions.
Current clinical applications of FAPI PET include gastrointestinal cancers, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
First-generation FAP inhibitors may wash out rapidly, affecting therapeutic efficacy.
Prospective dosimetry and outcome data for FAP-targeted therapy remain limited.
Clinical Implications
FAPI PET should be considered a complementary imaging modality. Clinicians must correlate FAPI uptake with other imaging modalities and clinical history.
Conclusion
Further research is needed to establish the role of FAPI PET in clinical practice.
