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. 

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New radiohybrid PET imaging agent increases detection of prostate cancer recurrence

For 45% to 47% of patients who were deemed negative after conventional baseline scans, the use of the radiohybrid imaging agent resulted in at least one true positive PET finding

A comparison on the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy (left) with PET cardiac myocardial perfusion nuclear imaging exams (right).  The cardiac diagnosis of the galactic heart is motion artifact. Black hole image from the EHT Collaboration

Cardiologist and ASNC president diagnoses the heart of the galaxy based on black hole imaging

The first image of the black hole at the heart of our Milky Way galaxy amazed the scientific community, but left cardiologists with questions about the true cardiac health of the galaxy.

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PET/CT offers 'significant prognostic advantage' to patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma

The study, which followed 195 patients recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM), found that a negative PET/CT scan six months after diagnosis and induction therapy was significantly linked with improved survival.

prostate cancer PSA

Total-body PET scanner detects cancer in 60 seconds

The new equipment, which initially will be used to treat prostate and neuroendocrine tumors, is expected to be operational in July.

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CMS coverage decision for Alzheimer's drug, related PET scans sparks concern in imaging community

In a statement released on April 14, MITA cautioned that the coverage decision will “severely limit patient access” to amyloid PET diagnostics and anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies treatment.

The ASNC is one of several medical imaging societies asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use criteria (AUC) criteria mandate. They say it poses issues for clinicians and is becoming outdated by changes in CMS payment systems. The AUC requirements call for documentation using CVMS authorized software in order to show advanced imaging such as nuclear and CT is justified, or else Medicare payments might be withheld.

American Society of Nuclear Cardiology urges Congress to speed prior authorizations, repeal AUC mandate 

Over the past few weeks, members of ASNC’s Health Policy Committee have held meetings with their members of Congress.

coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine vaccination

FDG PET/CT radiomics distinguishes between vaccine-related or metastatic breast cancer lymphadenopathy

The findings could help clinicians manage patients’ treatment when the origin of axillary lymphadenopathy is of concern, experts suggested. 

prostate cancer PSA

Combination therapy that includes new radionuclide proves effective for metastatic prostate cancer

The therapeutic combination of 177Lu-PSMA-617 with idronoxil (NOX66) reduced PSA levels in 86% of study participants.

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Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
Positron partners with Upbeat Cardiology Solutions to improve cardiac PET/CT access

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

Cardiovascular Business
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.