Patent spotlight on theranostics targeting fibroblast activation protein for personalized cancer care.

Theranostics represents the state-of-the-art in precision oncology treatment, and is gaining momentum because of the potential to help improve outcomes for even late-stage cancer patients. Pairs of identical (or very similar) molecules are labeled with both diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides, and used to both image and treat cancer. The FDA approval and commercialization of theranostics for neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer has spurred development of new theranostics as well as significant venture and pharma investment, such that both academic medical centers and companies are working to advance the field. One theranostic target of interest is the Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) because its expression in many different tumor types offers potential for a pan-cancer theranostic. In this Patent Spotlight, we present the first analysis of patents issued for FAP-targeting radiopharmaceuticals, providing perspective on current trends and challenges as well as future directions.