Work

Contrasting Molecular Imaging Findings in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Dual Positron Emission Tomography Modalities

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Fibroblast activation protein (FAPI) has been recently incorporated as a molecular imaging radiotracer for the evaluation of epithelial neoplasms that support or complement the role of [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) in many cancer subtypes since its development. Both radiotracers have been shown to have diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive value for several neoplasms. Herein, we present a 73-year-old male patient with a complex medical and oncological history who was recently diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Both [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 revealed distinct molecular imaging characteristics. A large segment 8 hepatic mass was observed via [18F]FDG positron emission computed tomography (PET/CT), whereas [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET/CT revealed a large hepatic mass confined to segment 8, exhibiting complete photopenia. Overall, T2N0M0 stage II HCC disease was affirmed. The patient underwent two rounds of transarterial chemoembolization, which resulted in partial disease control and symptomatic control. To our knowledge, this case represents the first imaging instance to capture such unique molecular characteristics of HCC via a dual PET/CT approach composed of [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-FAPI radiotracers.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.75097

Authors: Ahmed Abdlkadir, Obayda Rabei, Ula Al-Rasheed, Akram Al-Ibraheem

Institution: King Hussein Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Peptidase Inhibition and Analysis

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4404993345