177Lu-FAPI-04 is the therapeutic analogue of the PET Imaging agent 68Ga-FAPI-04 from the FAPI family. It is a DOTA-coupled quinolone analogue radiotherapeutic based on a Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP)-specific enzyme inhibitor (FAPI). The same molecule has already been labeled with 90Y.
FAPIs targets cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), yielding images with similar or better quality compared to 18F-FDG-PET/CT among patients with cancer. Besides cancer, FAPIs may also be used for benign diseases such as fibroses, Atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, etc.
First attempts to Label the best molecules developed within this family with therapeutic radionuclides have proven successful. 68Ga-FAPI-04 was tested in breast cancer patients together with 90Y-FAPI-04 as Imaging agent. First preclinical data with 64Cu-FAPI-04 and 225Ac-FAPI-04 generated in pancreatic xenograft mouse models were published in October 2019. Of 15 synthesized FAPIs, FAPI-04 was identified as the most promising Tracer for clinical applications. Phase I studies are under preparation.
Target/Mechanism: Fibroblasts
Carrier/Ligand: FAPI-04
Radiation Type: beta electrons (β–)