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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

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Open Access 01-11-2021 | Computed Tomography | Original Article

Novel FAP ligands enable improved imaging contrast in sarcoma patients due to FAPI-PET/CT

Authors: Stefan A. Koerber, R. Finck, K. Dendl, M. Uhl, T. Lindner, C. Kratochwil, M. Röhrich, H. Rathke, G. Ungerechts, S. Adeberg, K. Herfarth, D. Jaeger, J. Debus, U. Haberkorn, F. L. Giesel

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 12/2021

Abstract

Purpose

A high expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) was observed in multiple sarcomas, indicating an enormous potential for PET/CT using ⁶⁸Ga-radiolabeled inhibitors of FAP (FAPI). Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to evaluate the role of the novel hybrid imaging probe for sarcomas as a first clinical evaluation.

Methods

A cohort of 15 patients underwent ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-PET/CT for staging or restaging. The acquisition of PET scans was performed 60 min after administration of 127 to 308 MBq of the tracer. The uptake of ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI in malignant tissue as well as in healthy organs was quantified by standardized uptake values SUVmean and SUVmax.

Results

Excellent tumor-to-background ratios (> 7) could be achieved due to low background activity and high SUVmax in primary tumors (median 7.16), local relapses (median 11.47), and metastases (median 6.29). The highest uptake was found for liposarcomas and high-grade disease (range 18.86–33.61). A high SUVmax (> 10) was observed for clinically more aggressive disease.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest a high potential for the clinical use of ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-PET/CT for patients diagnosed with sarcoma.

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Title: Novel FAP ligands enable improved imaging contrast in sarcoma patients due to FAPI-PET/CT
Authors: Stefan A. Koerber
R. Finck
K. Dendl
M. Uhl
T. Lindner
C. Kratochwil
M. Röhrich
H. Rathke
G. Ungerechts
S. Adeberg
K. Herfarth
D. Jaeger
J. Debus
U. Haberkorn
F. L. Giesel
Publication date: 01-11-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Metastasis
Liposarcoma
Computed Tomography
Sarcoma
Positron Emission Tomography
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 12/2021
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-021-05374-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Novel FAP ligands enable improved imaging contrast in sarcoma patients due to FAPI-PET/CT

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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