Recent clinical advances in fibroblast activation protein targeted radioligand therapy for solid tumors

Xiaolong Wu1, Yu Wang2, Yingchun Li2

  • 1Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a key target in cancer. FAP inhibitor (FAPI)-based radioligand therapy shows promise for treating solid tumors, with ongoing research addressing challenges and future directions.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Radiochemistry
  • Molecular Imaging

Background:

  • Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is highly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within most epithelial cancers.
  • FAP plays a significant role in tumor microenvironment modulation and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current clinical applications of FAP-targeted radioligand therapy (RLT) in solid tumors.
  • To discuss the challenges and future prospects of FAP-targeted RLT.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current clinical data on FAP inhibitor (FAPI)-based positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and RLT.
  • Analysis of FAP expression patterns in various malignancies.

Main Results:

  • FAPI-based PET imaging has confirmed FAP as a viable pan-tumor target.
  • FAP-targeted RLT is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy for solid tumors.

Conclusions:

  • FAP-targeted RLT represents a rapidly advancing field with significant therapeutic potential.
  • Addressing current challenges is crucial for optimizing FAP-targeted RLT efficacy and clinical translation.