The Diagnostic Value of Fibroblast Activation Protein Imaging in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocellular Carcinoma

PET Clin. 2023 Jul;18(3):309-314. doi: 10.1016/j.cpet.2023.02.011. Epub 2023 Apr 5.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy with worldwide high incidence and mortality. In more than 90% of cases, HCC arise from a cirrhotic liver that is mostly induced by viral diseases and especially in developed countries alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In contrast, cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) is a very rare cancer entity with a high mortality due to insidious onset. The only curative option for both cancer entities is a timely and definitive surgical therapy, which mandates an accurate early diagnosis. To this end, [18F]FDG PET/CT scan could demonstrate only little benefit, as there is an unmet clinical need for an alternative, pan-cancer agent for initial diagnostic work-up of CCC or evaluation of Milan criteria for HCC patients.

Keywords: Cholangiocellular carcinoma; FAP imaging; FAPI PET; Fibroblast activation protein; Hepatocellular carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bile Duct Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular*
  • Cholangiocarcinoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cholangiocarcinoma* / pathology
  • Fatty Liver*
  • Fibroblasts / pathology
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18