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.

Experts update AUC for amyloid, tau PET imaging for first time in more than a decade
The new appropriate use criteria define 17 specific clinical scenarios, guiding providers on situations when amyloid or tau imaging are and are not appropriate.
Policy reforms in Washington that will impact nuclear imaging
SNMMI President Cathy Cutler, PhD, explains some of the key policy initiatives the society is pursuing to help support the field of nuclear medicine.
U.S. moves closer to establishing domestic supply of Mo-99 for nuclear imaging
Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging President, Cathy Cutler, explains the long road to jump-starting a new U.S. domestic supply of imaging isotopes.
Repurposed radiotracer lights up treatment-resistant tumors 'like a Christmas tree'
Use of the new tracer could improve outcomes by enabling providers to adjust treatment regimens much earlier than they have been able to previously.
Siemens Healthineers finalizes $223M purchase of Novartis’ imaging unit
The Erlangen, Germany-based manufacturer believes the addition will complement its network of 47 PET radiopharmacies concentrated in the U.S., adding over a dozen new sites.

Nuclear medicine, cardio groups reject proposed myocardial PET cuts

Multiple nuclear medicine and cardiology groups are working to oppose potential cuts to myocardial PET scans that were made possible by the CMS 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, according to a joint statement.

September 6, 2019

Industry groups oppose proposed myocardial PET cuts

When CMS released the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, it included revisions that could lead to technical component payment reductions of up to 80% for certain services related to myocardial PET scans.

September 5, 2019

SNMMI introduces newest officers during annual conference

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) continued a busy four-day stretch by introducing several new officers during its 2019 Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California.

June 25, 2019

SNMMI presents 2 prestigious awards at annual conference

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) presented two prestigious awards during its 2019 Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California.

June 24, 2019

SHINE gains exclusive license for Lu-177 radioisotope production

Janesville, Wisconsin-based SHINE Medical Technologies has announced an agreement with the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS (IOCB Prague), gaining exclusive rights over an innovation to produce lutetium-177 (Lu-177).

May 16, 2019

SNMMI names recipient of annual government relations fellowship

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) announced that Courtney Lawhn-Heath, MD, has been awarded the 2019 Robert E. Henkin Government Relations Fellowship.

April 24, 2019

ACR, SNMMI collaborate on new clinical data registry

The American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) have joined forces to launch a new nuclear medicine clinical data registry.

April 10, 2019

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

Nuclear Medicine

Experts update AUC for amyloid, tau PET imaging for first time in more than a decade

Policy reforms in Washington that will impact nuclear imaging

U.S. moves closer to establishing domestic supply of Mo-99 for nuclear imaging

Repurposed radiotracer lights up treatment-resistant tumors 'like a Christmas tree'

Siemens Healthineers finalizes $223M purchase of Novartis’ imaging unit