Muscat: The University Medical City, represented by Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department at Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (SQCCCRC), has announced the successful completion of the first Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT studies, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman.
The technique is based on injecting the patient with the radiopharmaceutical FAPI intravenously, which targets fibroblast activation protein, prevalent in cancer-associated fibroblasts, after which the patient is imaged in the PET/CT. This allows for more precise imaging of various tumours. In addition, FAPI PET/CT has promising applications in identifying fibrotic diseases, such as cardiac fibrosis and chronic inflammatory conditions, which expands its diagnostic applications.
“We have successfully completed the first studies of Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor (FAPI) using positron tomography (PET/CT), which demonstrated high quality, starting from radiopharmaceutical preparation to accurate biodistribution during imaging," stated Dr Khulood al Riyami, Nuclear Medicine Consultant and Section Head at SQCCCRC.
“In oncology, FAPI PET/CT has the potential to offer detailed insights into tumour biology, enhancing the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and staging. It improves the detection of cancerous tissues and plays a crucial role in treatment planning and opening the gate for future theranostics applications," Dr Khulood explained.
“We look forward to offering this cutting-edge service to our patients in the near future, further enhancing our capabilities in providing comprehensive and state-of-the-art healthcare and reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for advanced diagnostics, ensuring they receive top-tier care locally," Dr Rashid al Sukaiti, Senior Consultant Radiologist and Head of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department at SQCCCRC, said.
On his turn, Dr Khalid al Bimani, In-charge of SQCCCRC, remarked: “This pioneering study highlights the commitment of the University Medical City and SQCCCRC to innovation and keeping pace with the latest global advancements in medical services, under the UMC’s visionary leadership that supports our continuous pursuit of excellence."
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