Hou H, Huang Q, Su X, Zhang G, Zhang M. 68-Ga-FAPI PET/CT imaging provides better detection of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence compared with 18-F-FDG: a case report. Int J Radiat Res 2025; 23 (3) :829-831
URL:
http://ijrr.com/article-1-6686-en.html
Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jie Fang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, P.R. China , zms75@163.com
Abstract: (35 Views)
Background: Globally, primary liver cancer is a common tumor and patients generally have a poor prognosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver. In most cases, the diagnosis of HCC relies on imaging. Case presentation: This study reports on a male patient diagnosed with primary HCC who went into remission after hepatectomy, chemotherapy, and splenic embolization. In the 4th year of follow-up, elevated alpha-fetoprotein was detected (325 ng/mL). However, neither computed tomography (CT) nor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed significant abnormalities. To clarify the diagnosis, 2-deoxy-2-18F-fluoro-D-glucose integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) was used for initial diagnosis. However, no significant FDG uptake was seen in multiple nodules of the liver. Further examination was performed using 68Ga-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor positron emission tomography/computed tomography (68Ga-FAPI PET/CT), which showed intense FAPI uptake in multiple lesions in the liver, providing direct evidence for the diagnosis of potential HCC recurrence. Finally, the lesions were completely resected and the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was confirmed. Conclusion: Previous studies have shown that 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT is more sensitive than 18F-FDG for the detection of HCC. This study suggests that 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT is a new option for patients with recurrent HCC who are not sensitive to 18F-FDG.
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