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Updated: Jan 5, 2026
Isolation of Primary Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts from a Syngeneic Murine Model of Breast Cancer for the Study of Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: May 14, 2021
Targeting of activated fibroblasts for imaging and therapy
Thomas Lindner1, Anastasia Loktev1,2, Frederik Giesel1,2
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
Tumors form a complex environment consisting of a variety of non-malignant cells. Especially cancer-associated fibroblasts have been shown to have an important role for different aspects of malignant tumors such as migration, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy and immunosuppression. Therefore, a targeting of these cells may be useful for both imaging and therapy. In this respect, an interesting target is the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) which is expressed in activated fibroblasts, but not in quiescent fibroblasts, giving the opportunity to use this membrane-anchored enzyme as a target for radionuclide-based approaches for diagnosis and treatment of tumors and for the diagnosis of non-malignant disease associated with a remodelling of the extracellular matrix.
Insights
Cancer-associated fibroblasts play a key role in tumor progression. Targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) offers a promising strategy for cancer imaging and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Tumors comprise complex microenvironments with various non-malignant cells.
- Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) significantly influence tumor migration, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, and immunosuppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) for tumor imaging and therapy.
- To investigate fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as a specific target on activated fibroblasts.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the role of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expressed on activated fibroblasts.
- Exploration of radionuclide-based approaches for diagnosis and treatment targeting FAP.
Main Results:
- Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is specifically expressed on activated fibroblasts, distinguishing them from quiescent ones.
- FAP presents a viable target for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) on cancer-associated fibroblasts holds significant potential for both tumor imaging and therapy.
- Radionuclide-based approaches targeting FAP can be utilized for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as non-malignant diseases involving extracellular matrix remodeling.
