[FIBROBLAST ACTIVATION PROTEIN (FAP) AS A POSSIBLE TARGET OF THE ANTITUMOR STRATEGY.]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Medicine

Background:

• Tumors are coevolutionary systems involving a microenvironment with reactive stroma.
• Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key stromal components, expressing fibroblast activation protein (FAP).
• FAP is a serine proteinase with dipeptidyl peptidase and endopeptidase activity, found in over 90% of tumors but absent in normal tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the therapeutic potential of targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in cancer.
• To discuss approaches for modulating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) by targeting FAP.
• To explore the advantages of using FAP as a versatile therapeutic target in tumor treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).
• Analysis of FAP's role in tumor microenvironment and its selective expression in neoplastic and embryonic tissues.
• Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting FAP and its proteolytic activity.

Main Results:

• Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is highly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) across various tumor types.
• FAP's selective expression in tumor tissues, compared to normal tissues, makes it an attractive therapeutic target.
• The proteolytic activity of FAP can be leveraged for targeted drug delivery and therapeutic interventions.

Conclusions:

• Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) represents a versatile and selective target for innovative cancer therapies.
• Targeting FAP offers a promising strategy for developing novel treatments against a wide range of tumors.
• Further research into FAP-targeted therapies holds potential for significant advancements in oncology.