Diagnostic and Therapeutic Application of Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitors in Oncologic and Nononcologic...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiochemistry
• Molecular Imaging

Background:

• Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a targetable protein expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment.
• Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor positron emission tomography (FAPI PET) is emerging as a novel imaging modality for various cancers.
• Existing FAPI PET literature is primarily from single-center studies and case reports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of radiolabeled FAP inhibitors.
• To summarize current findings on FAPI PET utility in oncological and non-oncological diseases.
• To highlight the importance of understanding noncancerous FAPI PET uptake.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies utilizing FAPI PET for imaging.
• Analysis of FAPI PET performance compared to established imaging techniques like 18F-FDG PET.
• Synthesis of information on FAP inhibitor applications in oncology and other diseases.

Main Results:

• FAPI PET demonstrates uptake in a wide range of tumors.
• Initial findings suggest FAPI PET may offer improved imaging for certain cancers compared to 18F-FDG PET.
• Accurate interpretation of noncancerous FAPI PET uptake is critical for clinical application.

Conclusions:

• FAPI PET holds significant promise for oncologic imaging and potentially therapeutic applications.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of FAP inhibitors.
• Understanding FAPI PET biodistribution, including non-target uptake, is essential for its successful clinical implementation.