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Predictive value of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT on pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for locally advanced resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma

  • 0Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging +

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June 23, 2025

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June 23, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

<sup>68</sup>Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT effectively predicts major pathological response to neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in oral cancer. Changes in SUVmax are significant predictors of treatment success, warranting further validation.

Area Of Science

  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Oncology
  • Radiochemistry

Background

  • Locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (LAOSCC) requires effective neoadjuvant therapies.
  • Predicting treatment response is crucial for optimizing patient management.
  • <sup>68</sup>Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT offers a novel imaging approach.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the utility of <sup>68</sup>Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT in predicting pathological response to neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NACI).
  • To assess the correlation between PET/CT parameters and treatment outcomes in LAOSCC patients.

Main Methods

  • Prospective study involving 31 treatment-naïve LAOSCC patients (stage III-IVA).
  • <sup>68</sup>Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT performed at baseline and after two NACI cycles.
  • Analysis of semiquantitative PET parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, ∆SUVs) and correlation with pathological response, PD-L1, FAP, GZMB, and CD8+ T cell infiltration.

Main Results

  • Eight of 20 patients (40%) achieved major pathological response (MPR).
  • Lower preoperative SUVmax and greater ∆SUVmax (%) were significantly associated with MPR (P=0.003 and P=0.002, respectively).
  • Preoperative SUVs and ∆SUVs correlated significantly with pathological response; FAP expression correlated with SUVs; MPR group showed higher CD8 and GZMB expression.

Conclusions

  • <sup>68</sup>Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT parameters, particularly ∆SUVs, can predict MPR achievement in LAOSCC patients undergoing NACI.
  • These imaging biomarkers show promise for personalized treatment strategies.
  • Larger cohort validation is recommended.

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