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.

Mayo Clinic develops AI capable of substantially improving dementia diagnoses
With the software's help, readers are up to three times more accurate and interpretations are nearly twice as fast.
FDA approves expanded use of PET imaging agent
The product's updated indications include quantification and long-term monitoring of amyloid plaques on imaging.
'Powerful' new PET agent improves the diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer
The agent “exhibits powerful tumor delineation” in challenging cases of determining cancer subtypes, and could potentially lead to more personalized, effective treatment strategies.
Industry partnership set to advance research on theranostics
The deal will create a Therapy Command Center to support the study and use of theranostics across Massachusetts General Hospital and its affiliated centers in bordering states.
SNMMI unveils its 2025 Image of the Year
The designation was awarded to a research team from China, who analyzed the efficacy of a novel radiotracer developed to target expression of the PD-L1 protein in suspected head and neck cancers.

Imagers reviewing flurpiridaz F-18 (Flyrcado) myocardial perfusion PET images. Image from GE Healthcare

FDA-cleared software increases throughput for flurpiridaz back-to-back rest-stress imaging

The new F-18 flurpiridaz radiotracer is expected to help drive cardiac PET growth, but it requires waiting between rest and stress scans. Software from MultiFunctional Imaging can help care teams combat that problem.

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Radiopharma firm Telix launches new prostate cancer imaging agent Gozellix in US

The PET (positron emission tomography) product is now commercially available through distributors including Cardinal Health, PharmaLogic, Jubilant Radiopharma, and RLS.

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Startup developing ultracompact PET imaging scanner raises $8.5M

Founded in 2018, Positrigo scored U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance last year for its NeuroLF brain PET system, which is targeted toward Alzheimer's.

Part of the ASNC delegation that visited with congressional members to to explain policy and payment challenges that face. Members of ASNC's Health Policy Committee from left: Daniel Huck, MD, MPH, David E. Winchester, MD, MS, FASNC, Suman Tandon, MD, FASNC, Vikas Veeranna, MD, Friederike Keating, MD, FASNC, and Attila Feher, MD, PhD.

ASNC speaks to members of Congress about major trends in cardiology

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology made its voice heard, pushing for legislation to repeal Medicare payment cuts and tie payments to inflationary increases. Prior authorization and a proposed tariff on radioisotopes were also discussed.

FDA clears 1st blood test for Alzheimer’s, reducing need for ‘costly’ PET imaging

The “Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio” test is indicated for the early detection of amyloid plaques, a hallmark sign of the neurodegenerative disease.

artificial intelligence AI in healthcare

Pharmaceutical company to launch imaging center chain focused on Alzheimer’s disease

Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. plans to deploy the compact PET imaging system from Swiss firm Positrigo, cleared by the U.S. FDA last year.

Physicians urge Trump administration to exempt radiopharmaceuticals from tariffs

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology wants the feds to protect these vital imaging products from tariffs, highlighting barriers to U.S. production.

ASNC, ACC ask US government not to tariff radiopharmaceuticals

The two groups stressed that tariffs would likely impact patient care.

Nuclear Medicine

Mayo Clinic develops AI capable of substantially improving dementia diagnoses

FDA approves expanded use of PET imaging agent

'Powerful' new PET agent improves the diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer

Industry partnership set to advance research on theranostics

SNMMI unveils its 2025 Image of the Year