[68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 in Staging of Head and Neck Carcinomas

\[68Ga\]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT is an advanced imaging technique utilized in nuclear medicine for the evaluation of various cancers. The imaging agent \[68Ga\]Ga-FAPI-46 specifically targets FAP, a protein overexpressed by CAFs in the tumor microenvironment. This targeted approach allows for precise visualization of FAP-positive tumors, aiding in the detection, staging, and assessment of therapeutic response. The integration of PET and CT modalities provides both functional and anatomical information, enhancing the accuracy of the imaging results. In this study, the investigators will specifically evaluate the application of \[68Ga\]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT in patients diagnosed with HNSCC who are scheduled for primary clinical resection. This research aims to explore the potential of \[68Ga\]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT in guiding treatment decisions and optimizing the management of HNSCC, contributing valuable insights to the growing knowledge in precision oncology. Patients with confirmed HNSCC and planned to undergo tumor and LN dissection surgery will be recruited for this project. The included patients will follow their standard-of-care clinical investigations according to current guideline-based recommendations. Patients will receive \[68Ga\]Ga-FAPI-46 in a dose of 2MBq/kg (+/-15%) as an IV injection. The total administered dose will be between 80 and 200MBq. 60 minutes (+/- 10min) after the injection, low-dose, non-contrast-enhanced PET/CT will be acquired for about 20 minutes.