Preliminary Findings of the Role of FAPi in Prostate Cancer Theranostics

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among men. Progress in molecular imaging has magnified its clinical management; however, an unmet clinical need involves the identification of new imaging biomarkers that complement the gold standard of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) in cases of clinically significant PCa that do not express PSMA. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a type II transmembrane serine overexpressed in many solid cancers that can be imaged through quinoline-based PET tracers derived from an FAP inhibitor (FAPi). Preliminary results of FAPi application in PCa (in PSMA-negative lesions, and in comparison with fluorodeoxyglucose-FDG) are now available in the literature. FAP-targeting ligands for PCa are not limited to detection, but could also include therapeutic applications. In this preliminary review, we provide an overview of the clinical applications of FAPi ligands in PCa, summarising the main results and highlighting contemporary strengths and limitations.

Automated summary

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common and deadly form of cancer in men. Current imaging methods have limitations in detecting clinically significant PCa that do not express a specific protein. A new imaging biomarker called fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has shown promise in early studies, and may have therapeutic applications as well. This review provides an overview of the clinical applications of FAPi ligands in PCa, summarizing the main findings and highlighting their strengths and limitations.