Detecting Fibroblast Activation Proteins in Lymphoma Using 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT

Abstract

Cancer-associated fibroblasts that overexpress fibroblast activation protein (FAP) are enriched in many epithelial carcinomas and in hematologic neoplasms. PET/CT with radiolabeled FAP inhibitor (FAPI) is a new diagnostic tool for visualizing the tumor stroma. This prospective study aimed to profile FAPs in different subtypes of lymphomas and explore the potential utility of 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT in lymphomas. Methods: In this prospective study, we recruited 73 lymphoma patients who underwent 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT and recorded and measured semiquantitative parameters and ratios of their scan results. FAPI expression was assessed by immunochemistry in samples obtained from 22 of the lymphoma patients. Results: We evaluated 11 patients with Hodgkin lymphoma and 62 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Significantly elevated FAP uptake was observed in Hodgkin lymphoma lesions, correlating with the intensity of FAP immunostaining (score, 31). A positive association was found between the corresponding clinical classification of NHL and the 68Ga-FAPI uptake activity of the lesion. Aggressive NHL lesions, with moderate to strong FAP immunostaining (score, 21 to 31), exhibited intense to moderate 68Ga-FAPI uptake. Indolent NHL lesions showed weak FAP staining and mild to moderate 68Ga-FAPI uptake. No statistically significant correlation emerged between the sum of the product of the diameters and the corresponding SUVmax (P 5 0.424). The tumor-to-liver ratios were 6.26 6 4.17 in indolent NHL and more than 9 in other subtypes. Conclusion: 68Ga-FAPI imaging can be used to detect FAP expression in lymphoma lesions and may be an alternate method for characterizing lymphoma profiles.