The Application of [⁶⁸Ga]‐Labeled FAPI‐04 PET/CT for Targeting and Early Detection of Pancreatic Carcinoma in Patient‐Derived Orthotopic Xenograft Models

Abstract

[ 18 F]FDG as a probe of PET/CT is a radiolabeled glucose analogue taken up by most cells, but its batch activity is limited. [ 68 Ga]FAPI‐04 is a promising alternative based on a fibroblast activation protein‐specific inhibitor (FAPI) labeled with radiotracer FAP. Here, a series of databases suggested that FAP expression was significantly different in pancreatic cancer compared to normal tissue. The FAP‐positive fibroblasts were evaluated around the tumor cells and the stroma. A patient‐derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits significantly higher quantitative uptake of [ 68 Ga]FAPI‐04 ( P < 0.05) than [ 18 F]FDG PET/CT in various organs. Because of relatively high (T/M) ratios, the [68Ga]FAPI‐04 is excellent for B‐mode ultrasound, NIRF, and PET/CT. Thus, [ 68 Ga]FAPI‐04 PET displayed a better tumor specificity and can be a potential application for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.