Researchers from the West German Cancer Center in Essen, Germany, have discovered that a novel imaging technique can help predict survival outcomes in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The group says that a radioactive tracer called 68Ga-FAPI-46 may offer new ways to personalize treatment approaches for this aggressive and deadly cancer.
Study May Prove Invaluable to Mesothelioma Prognosis
The study, which was published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine, focused on fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in mesothelioma patients. FAP is a substance found in high levels in many cancers. It has been linked to shorter survival times. The scientists developed a radioactive tracer—essentially a tracking molecule—that attaches to FAP, allowing it to be seen on PET/CT scans.
Over four years, the researchers examined 39 mesothelioma patients using both the newly developed tracer and the standard 18F-FDG imaging technique. They found that the tracer allowed them to see and measure FAP levels without having to put the patients through surgery or biopsy.
Key Findings on Mesothelioma Tumor Measurement
The research team used FAP levels to measure the mesothelioma patients’ metabolic tumor volume (MTV), a calculation that combines tumor size with activity level to assess the total amount of active cancer in a patient’s body. Their results proved to be important for predicting outcomes, as patients with higher MTV measurements had lower survival time — 262 days compared to 737 days – than those with lower MTVs. FDG imaging, which is what is currently the standard method used, delivered similar results, 336 days versus 760 days survival.
The analysis confirmed that MTV was an independent risk factor for mesothelioma survival, predicting outcomes regardless of other factors. Using the FAPI tracer, patients with high MTV had 4.44 times higher risk of death, while standard imaging showed 7.01 times higher risk for those with elevated MTV. These numbers represent hazard ratios—statistical measures showing how much more likely something is to happen. The researchers also measured FAP levels in tissue samples from 19 patients, and found that higher numbers were also correlated with poorer survival—438 days for low scores versus 1,076 days for higher scores,
Future Treatment Possibilities
This research suggests that this new type of imaging could help doctors predict which mesothelioma patients need more aggressive treatment. With limited treatment options available, this indicates that a personalized approach could improve both treatment planning and outcomes monitoring.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
