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 Pharmaceuticals

PSMA PET 'cold kit' could score FDA approval soon

The cold kit is said to significantly expand the distribution capabilities related to imaging agents.

Thumbnail

Reducing prostate cancer treatment dosage alleviates downsides while remaining effective

Reducing certain treatments by around 25% and 50% still achieves promising PSA response rates, but reduces some of the unwanted side effects of therapy, like dry mouth. 

stock market

After IPO fails, imaging agent developer Telix Pharmaceuticals raises $429M via debt

The Melbourne, Australia-based radiopharmaceutical firm plans to use the proceeds to accelerate development of products in its theranostics portfolio.

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) is asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use software provision mandate, which physicians say is an obstacle to efficient care.

ASNC asks Congress to officially repeal the AUC mandate for advanced medical imaging

Medicare rescinded the provision in the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, but the law remains on the books. 

How the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule could impact nuclear cardiology

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology explored some key points included in the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.

Thumbnail

Department of Energy awards SHINE $32M in effort to boost domestic isotope supply

The U.S. consumes around half of the world’s supply of Mo-99 and relies largely on other countries to provide the isotope.

stroke brain dementia alzheimer's puzzle mental health

Lantheus acquires developer of next-generation PET imaging agent for Alzheimer’s

Meilleur Technologies’ portfolio includes the worldwide exclusive rights to NAV-4694, also known as F18-flutafuranol, which is in phase 3 trials. 

Medicare money payment physician

CMS proposes issuing separate payment for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals in 2025

For years, the agency has packaged payment for nuclear imaging agents with the procedure, but this has created a barrier for those who require pricier new drugs.