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.

Incident at nuclear medicine facility leads to Mo-99 shortage

The quality issue could force more than 12,000 patients into canceled exams.

Attralus completes financing to validate pan-amyloid nuclear imaging agent

Biopharmaceutical firm Attralus has completed a $25 million Series A financing designed to further validate its AT-01 pan-amyloid radiotracer for PET/CT.

New radiation-dose estimation process moves nuclear medicine closer to customized cancer therapy

Researchers used a single SPECT/CT scan performed post-therapy to estimate how much radiation a patient’s tumor and at-risk organs will absorb.

Top imaging groups warn delayed screenings could cause ‘second healthcare crisis’

The ACR—along with seven other radiology organizations—said thousands could die due to delayed diagnoses caused by the pandemic and urged governors to take action.

SNMMI taps new nuclear medicine experts to lead its technologist section

The society announced a new president and president-elect to lead its member technologists during its virtual meeting.

SNMMI 2020: Imaging highlights connection between heart and kidneys in heart attack response

Researchers monitored how the heart and kidneys responded one day, three days, seven days and six weeks following an induced myocardial infarction.

SNMMI elects new president, other leadership positions during annual meeting

The organization also announced its incoming president-elect and vice president-elect.

ASNC monitoring potential Mo-99 supply shortages due to COVID-19

The president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology said there are no shortfalls reported at this time, but the organization is keeping an eye on the situation as more countries implement travel bans.

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