68Ga-FAPI PET/CT in Malignant Tumors

Fibroblast-activation protein (FAP) is a type Ⅱ transmembrane serine protease and is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs are the predominant component in the stroma of epithelial neoplasms. FAP can be detected in various of malignant neoplasms and is associated to tumor cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Recently, a novel molecular probe, gallium 68-labelled FAP inhibitor (68Ga-FAPI), has been developed and used for visualization of tumor stroma by targeting FAP. Recent studies show favorable diagnosis efficiency in a variety of tumors, especially in gastrointestinal cancer, but the previous studies were all small-sample data or case reports. Therefore, further large-size research is necessary to confirm the advantages of 68Ga-FAPI in various of malignant tumors.