Prognostic value of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET in patients with newly diagnosed gastric carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose

Gallium-68-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor ([⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPI) positron emission tomography (PET) has demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance in various malignancies, including gastric carcinoma. However, its prognostic utility is unclear. This study evaluates the prognostic value of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MRI(CT) in gastric carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with gastric cancer who underwent [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MRI(CT) between June 2020 and June 2023. Semi-quantitative parameters, including maximum and mean standard uptake value (SUVmax, SUVmean), FAPI-avid tumor volume (FTV), total lesion FAP expression (TLF), tumor to background ratio (TBR), heterogeneity factor (HF) and coefficient of variation (CV) of the primary tumor were measured or calculated. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were obtained through follow-up. The relationships between disease prognosis and potential predictors were analyzed， and predictive models were established.

Results

Eighty-six patients (median age 59 years) were included. Thirty-five patients experienced disease progression, and 26 of them died. Univariable analysis revealed SUVmax, FTV, TLF, TBR, HF and CV were significant prognostic factors for both OS and PFS. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, a nomogram model for OS was established, incorporating body mass index (BMI) and CV as independent predictors. The time-dependent C-index of the nomogram model > 0.75 indicates good predictive performance. When predicting PFS, a stratified analysis was performed based on distant metastasis, FTV was an independent prognostic factor among patients without distant metastasis.

Conclusion

CV and FTV, derived from [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET imaging, could serve as independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS in patients with gastric cancer, respectively.