FAP is a prognostic marker, but not a viable therapeutic target for clinical translation in HNSCC

Current status of FAP-directed cancer theranostics: a bibliometric analysis

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a key molecule in the field of oncology, with significant impacts on tumor diagnosis and treatment. Importantly, it has paved the way for the development of radiotracers for quinoline-based FAP inhibitors (FAPIs), which are currently among the most promising radiotracers for PET imaging in cancer. We performed a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications related to FAP and FAPI-based radiotracers, which included the quantification and visualization of current research trends and prospects based on various bibliometric indicators. In our survey of FAP-related studies in the Web of Science Core Collection databases, R and VOSviewer were used for visualization and bibliometric analyses based on country, institute, author, journal, and keywords. We also examined the methodology, radionuclide type, imaging instruments, and major diseases associated with studies on FAPI-based radiotracers. The results revealed 2,664 FAP-related publications from 1992 to the present. Germany, the USA, and China dominated paper publications, multinational collaborations, and societal impacts on FAP research. Southwest Medical University was the most productive institute, while Haberkorn Uwe authored the most cited papers and the highest H-index. The European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and the Journal of Nuclear Medicine were the most influential periodicals. Keywords "FAP", "68Ga-FAPI", and "PET/CT" emerged as the most significant in this field. This study may help elucidate current research trends, hotspots, and directions for future research.

Matrix-based molecular mechanisms, targeting and diagnostics in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a head and neck cancer (HNC) with a high mortality rate. OSCC is developed in the oral cavity and it is triggered by many etiologic factors and can metastasize both regionally and distantly. Recent research advances in OSCC improved our understanding on the molecular mechanisms involved in and the initiation of OSCC metastasis. The key roles of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in OSCC are an emerging area of intensive research as the ECM macromolecular network is actively involved in events that regulate cellular morphological and functional properties, transcription and cell signaling mechanisms in invasion and metastasis. The provisional matrix that is formed by cancer cells is profoundly different in composition and functions as compared with the matrix of normal tissue. Fibroblasts are mainly responsible for matrix production and remodeling, but in cancer, the tumor matrix in the tumor microenvironment (TME) also originates from cancer cells. Even though extensive research has been conducted on the role of ECM in regulating cancer pathogenesis, its role in modulating OSCC is less elucidated since there are several issues yet to be fully understood. This critical review is focused on recent research as to present and discuss on the involvement of ECM macromolecular effectors (i.e., proteoglycans, integrins, matrix metalloproteinases) in OSCC development and progression.