3.1. Peptide-based FAP radiopharmaceuticals
While radiolabeled antibodies against highly expressed FAPs on fibroblasts exhibit high affinity and specificity, their clinical utility in molecular imaging is hindered by prolonged circulation in the bloodstream and limited tumor penetration potential [
184]. In contrast, small peptides typically exhibit favorable PK profiles characterized by rapid clearance from tissues and efficient tumor penetration [
106,
185,
186,
187,
188,
189,
190]. As such, peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals have emerged as the most promising candidates for molecular imaging in the clinical setting [
191,
192,
193,
194,
195,
196,
197,
198,
199,
200,
201,
202,
203,
204]. Cyclic peptides, in particular, offer enhanced structural stability and resistance to enzymatic degradation compared with linear peptides, greatly enhancing their efficacy in radiological diagnosis and therapy [
205,
206,
207,
208,
209,
210,
211,
212,
213]. FAP-targeted cyclic peptides have shown encouraging outcomes across numerous clinical trials.
3B Pharmaceuticals, for instance, introduced 263 different FAP-targeted peptide structures and identified peptides suitable for radiolabeling (
Table 2). Notably, 3BP-3320, 3BP-3321, 3BP-3407, and 3BP-3554 exhibited exceptional radioactive purity. The selected polypeptides were labeled with indium-111 and subsequently injected into mice to evaluate the tissue-specific radioactive uptake. The findings highlighted that
111In-3BP-3554 displayed the highest tumor/tissue radioactivity uptake rate. Consequently, this tracer underwent in-depth in vivo PK evaluation in mice. Representative SPECT/CT imaging was performed three hours after injection of
111In-3BP-3554 in four different mouse sarcoma tumor models, consistently revealing significant radioactive uptake in all tumor types. Dose-response evaluations of
177Lu-3BP-3554 were further conducted in the Sarc4809 model. Compared with
natLu-3BP-3554,
177Lu-3BP-3554 demonstrated marked inhibitory effects on tumors, with increasing doses amplifying this effect [
214]. On September 21, 2019, Clovis Oncology secured an upfront payment of
$12 million for exclusive rights to FAP-targeted radiolabeled peptidomimetics (FAP-2286) developed by 3B Pharmaceuticals, with the exception of Europe [
215].
3.2. Structure of the selective and specific peptide FAPI
In their patent, 3B Pharmaceuticals has cataloged a range of peptide structures amenable to radiolabeling with radionuclides (
Table 3 &
Figure 2). Among these structures, 3BP-3554 emerged as a potential clinical candidate and was renamed FAP-2286.
Distinguishing features between FAP-2286 and other peptides within the same series manifest chiefly in the following facets. Firstly, the placement of the chelator dramatically affects both the radiopurity of the nuclide-labeled compound and its tumor uptake rate. When the chelator is linked to the tMeBn structure, which is instrumental in cyclization, it enhances radiopurity and results in a higher tumor uptake rate compared to compounds where the chelator is linked to the polypeptide chain. Moreover, different modifications of cyclic peptides can affect the compound’s specific affinity and polarity. For instance, altering only the cysteine substituent at the C-terminus of the cyclic peptide leads to corresponding changes in specific affinity. Moreover, extending the length of the chain segment impacts the compound’s polarity. In the absence of substituents, longer chain segments decrease molecule polarity, thereby diminishing polarity [
216,
217].
FAP-2286 demonstrates highly effective and specific binding to FAP of human and mouse origin, along with a pronounced inhibitory effect. The equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) values were 1.1 and 4.7 nM, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC
50) values were 3.2 and 22.1 nM for human and mouse FAP, respectively. The metal complexes of FAP-2286 exhibited potent binding to human and mouse FAP, featuring KD values of 0.2-1.4 nM and 1.9-7.7 nM, respectively. Importantly, these metal complexes did not compromise the inhibitory activity against FAP, affirming their exceptional FAP specificity. Mean IC
50 values for FAP from human and murine sources were determined as 1.3-2.2 nM and 8.4-16.3 nM, respectively [
216,
218].
Furthermore, FAP-2286 has favorable stability, high radioactive purity after radionuclide labeling, and outstanding specific affinity. Consequently, Clovis Oncology and 3B Pharmaceuticals have embarked on collaborative initiatives to conduct preclinical imaging and therapeutic evaluation of FAP-2286. Concurrently, Clovis Oncology has initiated plans for clinical trials involving FAP-2286 [
219,
220].
3.3. 68Ga-FAP-2286 and 111In-FAP-2286 for nuclear imaging
Gallium-68-labeled FAP-2286 demonstrates remarkable efficacy in tumor imaging. 3B Pharmaceuticals directed their attention toward FAP-2286 and its chelation with natural nonradioactive metals (
natGa-FAP-2286,
natLu-FAP-2286, and
natIn-FAP-2286), and proceeded to evaluate three radiotracers for their in vitro affinity and selectivity [
216].
The excellent affinity, precision in targeting, and inherent stability of FAP-2286 and its complexes have been conclusively established, facilitating the coordination of gallium-68 and indium-111 radionuclides with FAP-2286 for use as PET or SPECT imaging agents, respectively [
216]. In vivo SPECT imaging employing
111In-FAP-2286 in HEK-FAP tumor-bearing mice showcased stable accumulation within tumor tissues, accompanied by minimal uptake in non-tumor regions. Notably, the kidney displayed the highest nontargeted uptake, albeit the T/K ratio gradually declined over time, reaching its zenith at 48 h after treatment [
216,
218].
Compared with the small molecule FAPI series, cyclic peptide FAPIs manifested superior biological properties [
221], including stronger receptor selectivity and binding affinity and longer tumor retention. Remarkably,
68Ga-FAP-2286 exhibited the same rapid renal clearance as
68Ga-FAPI-46, with no noticeable differences in tumor distribution between the two tracers [
219]. Chen
et al. performed a comparative uptake analysis of
68Ga-FAPI-46 and
68Ga-FAP-2286 in cancer patients to delineate the in vivo distribution patterns of different inhibitors [
222].
68Ga-FAP-2286 exhibited lower physiological uptake in muscles, salivary glands, thyroid, and pancreas than
68Ga-FAPI-46. Conversely,
68Ga-FAP-2286 displayed heightened uptake in the heart, kidneys, and liver relative to
68Ga-FAPI-46. Despite
68Ga-FAPI-46 undergoing clinical imaging investigations for diverse tumor models, its rapid blood clearance and limited tumor retention pose substantial limitations for diagnostic and therapeutic applications [
223]. In preclinical studies, FAP-2286 demonstrated longer tumor retention and stronger antitumor activity over time than FAPI-46, maintaining consistent tumor uptake at 3 h post-injection. Key advantages inherent to FAP-2286 encompass elevated affinity for FAP binding, improved tumor accumulation, and prolonged tumor retention [
222].
With its introduction into clinical practice, Clovis Oncology embarked on the radiolabeling of FAP-2286 with gallium-68 for clinical tumor imaging. In a phase I clinical trial (NCT04939610),
68Ga-FAP-2286 was used as a contrast agent for pretreatment PET scans in 30 patients with solid tumors. This approach will persist as a guide for pretreatment imaging and posttreatment evaluation in an ensuing phase II trial. Furthermore, Clovis Oncology has initiated a clinical evaluation of
68Ga-FAP-2286 (NCT04621435), which, as of June 2022, encompassed 48 patients with cancers of the breast, bladder, prostate, colon, head/neck, pancreas, sarcoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and lung [
224]. Patients were subjected to
68Ga-FAP-2286 administration and imaged 64 ± 7 min after injection. Notably, cholangiocarcinoma exhibited the highest tumor uptake. PET imaging conducted on a 72-year-old patient with cholangiocarcinoma revealed peak tumor uptake at 120 min, with the tumor-to-background ratio progressively augmenting from 30 to 120 min.
68Ga-FAP-2286 PET emerges as a pivotal tool for staging patients across cancer types characterized by robust tumor uptake, renal metabolism, and negligible renal accumulation. Its application prospects are indeed promising [
224].
3.4. 177Lu-FAP-2286 for radionuclide therapy
FAP-2286 can be radiolabeled with the radionuclide
177Lu for the treatment of clinical solid tumors. Prior to clinical trials, the therapeutic efficacy and specificity of this approach were evaluated in murine models. Notably, the administration of
177Lu-FAP-2286 to HEK293-FAP tumor-bearing mice and FAP-expressing xenografts mice from sarcoma patients did not result in significant weight loss. Furthermore, the tumor retention of
177Lu-FAP-2286 exceeded that of
177Lu-FAPI-46. Over the 24-72 h timeframe, the T/K ratio for
177Lu-FAP-2286 consistently increased, in contrast to the T/K ratio for
177Lu-FAPI-46 T/K ratio, which peaked at 24 h. Importantly,
177Lu-FAP-2286 exhibited commendable properties as an active targeting agent, characterized by potent and specific FAP binding, resulting in high tumor uptake, accumulation and demonstrable therapeutic effects [
219].
Furthermore, clinical trials of FAP-2286 revealed prolonged tumor retention and superior tumor suppression compared with FAPI-46 [
219]. Clovis Oncology initiated the LuMIERE phase I & II clinical trials of FAP-2286 (NCT04939610), enrolling patients with advanced solid tumors. Phase I focused on evaluating the safety and tolerability of
177Lu-FAP-2286, while phase II aims to determine the recommended dose of
177Lu-FAP-2286 and assess the objective response rate in patients. Phase I entails fixed-dose intravenous administration of
177Lu-FAP-2286 at six-week intervals, up to a maximum of six doses for patients exhibiting positive uptake of
68Ga-FAP-2286. The dose-escalation range, guided by Bayesian optimal interval design, spans between 3.7 and 9.25 GBq, encompassing four distinct doses (3.70 GBq/100 mCi, 5.55 GBq/150 mCi, 7.40 GBq/200 mCi, 9.25 GBq/250 mCi). Phase II involves intravenous administration of the recommended dose of FAP-2286 to a cohort of up to 40 patients with advanced solid tumors. As of October 2022,
177Lu-FAP-2286 is being examined with a 7.40 GBq metering regimen, with the LuMIERE study projected to conclude by June 1, 2026 [
225].
The LuMIERE study has yielded noteworthy findings. In the phase I dose study, 11 patients underwent
68Ga-FAP-2286 imaging and received treatment with
177Lu-FAP-2286 across cohorts. Among these patients, three individuals with peritoneal pseudomucinous tumors or colorectal cancer received 3.70 GBq, while six patients with different solid tumors received 5.55 GBq, and two patients were administered 7.40 GBq of
177Lu-FAP-2286. Encouraging treatment outcomes were observed, with eight patients discontinuing treatment, and one patient, after completing six doses of 3.7 GBq
177Lu-FAP-2286 for more than 12 months, demonstrated stable disease without the requirement for subsequent anticancer interventions. Another with gallbladder adenocarcinoma, from the 5.55 GBq cohort, exhibited stable disease upon four doses. Notably,
177Lu-FAP-2286 exhibited a manageable safety profile with some preliminary evidence of antitumor activity [
224].
Prof. Richard P. Baum released findings pertaining to the biodistribution and preliminary dosimetry from the first human trial of FAP-2286 in March 2022. Intravenous injection of
177Lu-FAP-2286, completed within 5-10 min, was performed on 11 patients with advanced adenocarcinoma, all of whom had undergone
68Ga-FAP-2286 or
68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT imaging. SPECT/CT imaging after treatment illustrated a significant uptake of
177Lu-FAP-2286 within the tumor lesions. Notably, Patient 4 with pancreatic cancer and liver, peripancreatic lymph node, and bone metastases, underwent PET/CT imaging before the intravenous injection of
177Lu-FAP-2286. The patient’s anterior and posterior SPECT/CT images 48 h post-injection illustrated a significant liver uptake of
177Lu-FAP-2286 (
Figure 3a). Patient 6 with breast cancer, characterized by diffuse FAP-positive bone and bone marrow metastases and lymph node metastases in
68Ga-FAP-2286 PET/CT imaging, displayed regression of bone and bone marrow lesions within 10 days (
Figure 3b) [
220].
Coincidentally, in November 2022, Rao
et al. administered [
177Lu]Lu-FAP-2286 to a patient with systemic metastases from squamous cell carcinoma of the right lung[
226]. This intervention was followed by meticulous pre- and post-treatment assessments through [
68Ga]Ga-FAP-2286 PET/CT imaging. The MIP image revealed systemic metastases from the patient’s squamous cell carcinoma of the right lung, supraclavicular lymph nodes, irregular thickening on the right side, hypodense hepatic nodules, and osteolytic lesions in the left scapula. Following nine weeks of injection with [
177Lu]Lu-FAP-2286 at a dose of 7.0 GBq, [
68Ga]Ga-FAP-2286 PET/CT scans exhibited a reduction in the affected regions within the MIP images [
226]. The above two investigations have provided clinical substantiation of FAP-2286’s efficacy in treating FAP-positive tumors, thereby implying its potential utility in addressing a spectrum of advanced primary tumors and metastases. However, both studies have certain limitations. Firstly, the patient cohort in these studies was relatively small and displayed heterogeneity. Secondly, the administration of
177Lu-FAP-2286 was performed as the last-line treatment, precluding a dose-escalation regimen. Finally, the assessment of the safety and efficacy of
177Lu-FAP-2286 hinged primarily on observational data. Therefore, it is imperative that comprehensive clinical trials are undertaken to thoroughly investigate the PK, safety profile, dosimetry, and therapeutic efficacy of
177Lu-FAP-2286 in patients with advanced solid tumors [
149].
177Lu-FAP-2286 has demonstrated substantial therapeutic promise, with
177Lu serving as the radiolabeled nuclide pivotal in this therapeutic paradigm. Various
177Lu-labeled drugs targeting diverse molecular entities have received regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [
227]. For example,
177Lu-PSMA-617, designated for treating male patients with PSMA-positive mCRPC, exhibited a noteworthy effective systemic half-life of 40 hours and entailed a mean absorbed red marrow dose of 0.03 GBq [
227,
228]. Similarly,
177Lu-DOTATATE, tailored for managing neuroendocrine tumors, boasted a prolonged effective systemic half-life of 55 h, accompanied by a mean absorbed red marrow dose of 0.04 GBq [
227,
229]. Comparatively,
177Lu-FAP-2286 manifested an effective systemic half-life of 35 h, coupled with a mean absorbed red marrow dose of 0.05 GBq. Importantly, the effective absorbed dose of
177Lu-FAP-2286 aligned closely with that of
177Lu-DOTATATE and
177Lu-PSMA-617, underscoring its compatibility for therapeutic application across a broad spectrum of malignancies. In addition, peptide-targeted radionuclide therapy with
177Lu-FAP-2286 relieves pain symptoms in invasive adenocarcinoma cases. Encouragingly,
177Lu-FAP-2286 also showed considerable potential in tumor remission and inhibition, shedding new light on FAP-targeted peptide-based radionuclide therapy. In the quest for improved efficacy modifying the radionuclide payload holds promise. For instance, while
177Lu emits gamma (γ) rays and β-particles, alternative radionuclides such as actinium-225 (
225Ac) and radium-223 (
223Re) emit α-rays capable of inducing DNA double-strand breaks, rendering them potentially more lethal than β-particles [
149]. Presently, multiple enterprises are engaged in clinical investigations into FAP-2286, further underscoring its burgeoning status as an emerging therapeutic agent poised for future market introduction.