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.

projected radiation oncology workforce supply and demand

SNMMI, ACNM oppose changes to amount of training required to administer radiopharmaceuticals

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and American College of Nuclear Medicine (ACNM) submitted a joint statement to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) opposing potential changes in the NRC’s training and experience requirements for authorized users to administer radiopharmaceuticals.

January 31, 2019

SNMMI, SNMMI-TS announce 2019 leadership academy graduates

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) announced the graduates of its fourth annual Future Leaders Academy at the group's Mid-Winter Meeting in Palm Springs, California.

January 22, 2019

At ASTRO, Siemens Healthineers unveil RT Pro Edition for Biograph Vision for PET/CT radiation therapy planning

RT package of latest PET/CT scanner offers comprehensive therapy planning solution.

October 22, 2018

SNMMI, ACNM share comments on 2019 HOPPS proposed rule with CMS

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and American College of Nuclear Medicine (ACNM) have submitted a letter to CMS in response to the 2019 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) proposed rule, sharing both recommendations and concerns with the agency.

October 3, 2018

SNMMI, ASNC encourage BCBS to expand coverage of cardiac PET

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) submitted a letter to BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of Tennessee urging an expansion of cardiac PET coverage.

September 17, 2018

SNMMI supports changes in 2019 MPFS proposed rule

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has crafted a letter to CMS in support of some of the specific points included in the 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule.

September 11, 2018

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ACR, SNMMI among groups that support CMS proposal to reduce E&M paperwork requirements

The American Medical Association, American College of Radiology (ACR), Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), Society of Interventional Radiology and dozens of other healthcare groups have signed a letter to CMS in support of the agency’s “Patients Over Paperwork” initiative and calling for a reduction in paperwork requirements for evaluation and management (E&M) services.

August 28, 2018

After pressure from SNMMI, Aetna expands coverage of gallium-68 dotatate PET

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) announced this week that Aetna has expanded its coverage of gallium-68 (Ga-68) dotatate PET.

August 17, 2018

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