Journal Article (Review Article) DKFZ-2025-01442

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The Value of FAPI PET/CT in Cholangiocarcinoma and Pancreatic Cancer: An Update.

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2025
Elsevier New York, NY [u.a.]

Seminars in nuclear medicine 55(5), 701-709 () [10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2025.06.011]
 GO

Abstract: To date, contrast-enhanced CT (ceCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and, in selected cases, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) are the current standard imaging modalities for staging of pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) has gained interest as a promising molecular imaging target, particularly in tumors with a pronounced desmoplastic reaction such as pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. Radiolabeled FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) enable noninvasive visualization of cancer using PET/CT. Recent studies have demonstrated that FAPI PET/CT provides superior sensitivity compared to ceCT and 18F-FDG PET/CT in cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer for detecting primary tumors, lymph node involvement, and distant metastases, particularly in hepatic metastases due to low physiological background uptake. Furthermore, FAPI PET/CT has been shown to affect TNM staging and subsequently alter treatment-decision making. Beyond staging, early evidence suggests a prognostic potential of FAPI PET/CT in tumor grading, therapy response assessment, and survival outcomes, although data remain limited. On the other hand, FAPI PET/CT comes with limitations, particularly in the context of fibrotic and inflammatory processes such as liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, or primary sclerosing cholangitis, which may result in false-positive findings. This review summarizes the current clinical evidence for FAPI PET/CT in pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, with a focus on diagnostic performance, prognostic relevance, therapeutic implications, and potential pitfalls.

Classification:

Note: Volume 55, Issue 5, September 2025, Pages 701-709

Contributing Institute(s):
  1. DKTK Koordinierungsstelle Essen/Düsseldorf (ED01)
Research Program(s):
  1. 899 - ohne Topic (POF4-899) (POF4-899)

Appears in the scientific report 2025
Database coverage:
Medline ; BIOSIS Previews ; BIOSIS Reviews Reports And Meetings ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; NationallizenzNationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection
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 Record created 2025-07-21, last modified 2025-07-31



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