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.

Telix says new kidney cancer imaging agent alters treatment plans for 50% of patients
The positive findings come after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration previously shared concerns related to sterility assurance issues during the drug’s production.
UCLA launches ‘first of its kind’ new standalone Department of Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics
“Becoming an independent department elevates this work and strengthens UCLA’s role in shaping the future of precision health," said the department's new acting chairman.
Largest network of private cardiology groups in US to deploy GE HealthCare's cardiac PET tracer
One of the tracer’s more significant advantages is its extended half-life of 109 minutes—significantly longer than other currently available PET MPI imaging agents.
Some PET exams may be overutilized in oncology
In 2020 alone, there were more than 2 million 18F-FDG PET/CT scans conducted in the United States.
FDA accepts application for new Alzheimer’s PET imaging agent from Lantheus
The company is working to commercialize MK-6240, a radiodiagnostic that targets tau protein tangles—a “key hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases.”

heart data AI algorithm cardiologist doctor

Key pitfalls to avoid when using PET imaging for patients with coronary artery disease

To aid in the PET imaging of patients with heart disease, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has developed new guidelines.

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

Nuclear imaging groups share new flurpiridaz guideline

Several groups collaborated on the document, which is designed to help clinicians provide high-quality, consistent care when using flurpiridaz during cardiac PET imaging exams.

COVID-induced neuroinflammation can last 2 years or longer, according to new PET data

These findings are important to consider with regard to patients’ long-term health, as chronic inflammation has been implicated in cognitive decline.

Researchers' testing of industrial dyes could lead to the development of dementia-specific imaging agents

There are dozens of different subtypes of dementia, and it can be a challenge to determine the exact type affecting a patient.

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.

Nuclear Medicine

Telix says new kidney cancer imaging agent alters treatment plans for 50% of patients

UCLA launches ‘first of its kind’ new standalone Department of Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics

Largest network of private cardiology groups in US to deploy GE HealthCare's cardiac PET tracer

Some PET exams may be overutilized in oncology

FDA accepts application for new Alzheimer’s PET imaging agent from Lantheus