Dual-Tracer PET/CT Protocol with [18F]-FDG and [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 for Cancer Imaging: A Proof of Concept

J Nucl Med. 2022 Nov;63(11):1683-1686. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.122.263835. Epub 2022 Apr 14.

Abstract

Imaging studies with PET tracers acting as fibroblast activation protein inhibitors (FAPIs) show promising results that could usefully complement [18F]-FDG in cancer imaging. Methods: All patients received [18F]-FDG PET/CT and dual-tracer PET/CT after an additional injection of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 after the [18F]-FDG PET/CT. Two readers visually compared detection rate and analyzed target-to-background ratios for tumor and metastatic tissue in single- and dual-tracer PET/CT. Results: Detection rate in dual-tracer PET/CT was visually as good as that in single-tracer PET/CT in 4 patients and superior in 2 patients, whereas target-to-background ratios were significantly higher in dual-tracer PET/CT. Conclusion: Dual-tracer [18F]-FDG/[68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT within a single session is feasible and has potential. The dual-tracer approach may have superior sensitivity to [18F]-FDG PET/CT alone without compromising individual assessment of either scan.

Keywords: FAPI; FDG; dual-tracer PET/CT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods
  • Quinolines*

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • FAPI-46
  • Quinolines