Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine (also called molecular imaging) includes positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Nuclear imaging is achieved by injecting small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) into patients before or during their scan. These can use sugars or chemical traits to bond to specific cells. The radioactive material is taken up by cells that consume the sugars. The radiation emitted from inside the body is detected by photon detectors outside the body. Computers take the data to assemble images of the radiation emissions. Nuclear images may appear fuzzy or ghostly rather than the sharper resolution from MRI and CT. But, it provides metabolic information at a cellular level, showing if there are defects in the function of the heart, areas of very high metabolic activity associated with cancer cells, or areas of inflammation, data not available from other modalities. These noninvasive imaging exams are used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, bone disorders and other disorders.

PET is an energy hog, but relatively rare utilization lessens its carbon footprint. MRI and CT have no such ‘out’
Medical imaging machinery uses a lot of power, and the extent to which it quickens the pace of global warming is becoming clearer.
Researchers identify new PET imaging biomarker capable of predicting immunotherapy success
A newly identified PET imaging biomarker could help providers tailor immunotherapy treatments for patients with certain types of cancers.
Siemens Healthineers inks data sharing deal with Blue Earth to bolster development of prostate cancer AI
Blue Earth will be sharing anonymized clinical data from its Phase 3 Lighthouse trial involving the use of PET imaging agent Posluma.
RadNet sees quarterly revenue climb to ‘record’ $432M with double-digit growth across multiple modalities
Comparing only imaging centers that operated both quarters, MRI volumes increased 10% compared to Q1 of 2023 while PET/CT was up more than 15%.
New PET agent offers 'exceptional' imaging of kidney cancer
The agent was found to be better than standard CT imaging for patients with clear cell renal cell cancer.

ACR, others push for imaging-agent pay fix as House leaders plan hearing on topic

The House Energy and Commerce Committee announced Tuesday that it will hold a hearing to discuss the FIND Act.

September 14, 2023

Startup radiopharmaceutical developer Mariana Oncology raises $175M in series B financing

The company has developed a portfolio of nuclear medicine solutions including "lead candidate" MC-339, used for treating small cell lung cancer.

September 11, 2023

Imaging advocacy group hopes to counteract ‘dangerous care delays and denials’ in PET payment

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology is pushing payers to more consistently and correctly cover medically necessary scans without prior authorization.

September 8, 2023

Fearing delays, American College of Radiology urges CMS not to leave PET payment decisions up to MACs

ACR is concerned such a scenario would result in delayed and highly variable coverage determinations across the U.S.

August 16, 2023

Experts advocate for more intensive head-and-neck cancer follow-up using FDG-PET/CT

Scientists believe this is the first series demonstrating a significant survival difference in patients monitored with an intensive follow-up strategy via 18F-fludeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography.

August 11, 2023

Tau PET the best tool to predict rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s

Given the approach’s “superior prognostic value,” experts urged for the incorporation of tau PET into routine clinical evaluation in memory care clinics.

August 11, 2023

Beset with problems, radiology provider Akumin forms special committee to evaluate its strained capital structure

Its challenges have included a key imaging center shuttered by a hurricane, equipment delivery delays and problems filling positions.

August 10, 2023

RBMA, ACR, RadNet and Rayus Radiology urge CMS to fix ‘burdensome’ reporting requirement

The groups are concerned that the rule could result in billing errors, inadvertent payment denials and slow claims processing.

August 2, 2023

Nuclear Medicine

PET is an energy hog, but relatively rare utilization lessens its carbon footprint. MRI and CT have no such ‘out’

Researchers identify new PET imaging biomarker capable of predicting immunotherapy success

Siemens Healthineers inks data sharing deal with Blue Earth to bolster development of prostate cancer AI

RadNet sees quarterly revenue climb to ‘record’ $432M with double-digit growth across multiple modalities

New PET agent offers 'exceptional' imaging of kidney cancer