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.

Key trends in nuclear cardiology take center stage at ASNC 2025
Wael Jaber, MD, chair of the 2025 American Society of Nuclear Cardiology annual meeting, shared some key takeaways from the conference. “This is no longer just about imaging for coronary disease," he explained. "Nuclear cardiology now helps guide therapy across a wide range of conditions."
Lantheus misled investors about blockbuster imaging agent, class action lawsuit claims
Plaintiff attorneys claim the Massachusetts-based company shattered the competitive position of Pylarify, a PET imaging agent for prostate cancer.
GE HealthCare to acquire Alzheimer’s imaging AI firm Icometrix
Founded in 2011 and based in Belgium, the AI firm offers the first software for automating brain assessments needed to administer disease therapies from Biogen and Eli Lilly.
Radiopharma firm Telix touts progress after FDA rejects brain imaging agent application
The Australia-based drug manufacturer is working to release Pixclara, a PET contrast agent for diagnosing glioma, a rare form of brain cancer.
FDA shares concerns about new imaging agent, sinking shares for radiopharma firm Telix
The company is seeking approval for TLX250-CDx (brand name Zircaix), a novel PET (positron emission tomography) product geared toward kidney cancer.

Video interview with Wael Jaber, MD, chair of the 2025 American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) annual meeting, director of nuclear cardiology and a professor of medicine at Cleveland Clinic, shares some of the key highlights from the conference.

Key trends in nuclear cardiology take center stage at ASNC 2025

Wael Jaber, MD, chair of the 2025 American Society of Nuclear Cardiology annual meeting, shared some key takeaways from the conference. “This is no longer just about imaging for coronary disease," he explained. "Nuclear cardiology now helps guide therapy across a wide range of conditions."

Lantheus misled investors about blockbuster imaging agent, class action lawsuit claims

Plaintiff attorneys claim the Massachusetts-based company shattered the competitive position of Pylarify, a PET imaging agent for prostate cancer.

GE HealthCare to acquire Alzheimer’s imaging AI firm Icometrix

Founded in 2011 and based in Belgium, the AI firm offers the first software for automating brain assessments needed to administer disease therapies from Biogen and Eli Lilly.

Radiopharma firm Telix touts progress after FDA rejects brain imaging agent application

The Australia-based drug manufacturer is working to release Pixclara, a PET contrast agent for diagnosing glioma, a rare form of brain cancer.

FDA shares concerns about new imaging agent, sinking shares for radiopharma firm Telix

The company is seeking approval for TLX250-CDx (brand name Zircaix), a novel PET (positron emission tomography) product geared toward kidney cancer.

Compact multifunctional PET scanner receives clearance in the US

The system was built with patients in mind, and its compact design has the potential to expand access to the modality where it may have previously been lacking.

Prem Soman, MD, PhD, FACC, FRCP, past president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC), the Richard S. Caligiuri Endowed Chair in Amyloidosis and Heart Failure, director of the Cardiac Amyloidosis Center, director of nuclear cardiology, and a professor of medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Heart and Vascular Institute. He is presenting the keynote Mario Verani Memorial Lecture at ASNC 2025, where he will discuss transforming cardiac amyloidosis care.

How nuclear cardiology has transformed care for cardiac amyloidosis

Prem Soman, MD, PhD, explained how early detection and new therapies have been game-changers for the treatment and diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis.

Radiology provider Akumin touts launch of its first movable PET/CT imaging centers

The Plantation, Florida, company first announced the initiative at RSNA 2024, offering clients new “relocatable and expandable” centers to be deployed across the U.S.