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.

New PET technique slashes scan times, improves image quality in neuroblastoma cases
The method also reduces radiation doses and eliminates the need for sedation or general anesthesia.
'Game changer' prostate imaging agent granted FDA's Fast Track designation
The PET agent was developed for men with PSMA-positive lesions who have suspected metastasis and are candidates for initial definitive therapy.
FAPI PET improves staging and clinical management for a significant portion of pancreatic cancers
Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor PET imaging may provide more accurate insight into the spread of pancreatic cancer than more commonly used 18F-FDG PET/CT.
FDA sees potential in new PET imaging agent for cardiac amyloidosis
Early evidence suggests a new PET imaging agent from California-based Attralus can help evaluate all varieties of systemic cardiac amyloidosis. It has now been granted the FDA's breakthrough therapy designation.
Hall of Fame Health partnership set to advance study of neurodegeneration via new PET imaging agent
The organization is teaming up with CereMark Pharma to conduct research on improving outcomes in soldiers and athletes with neurodegenerative conditions.

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

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

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, 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 backs updated ASNC guidelines on SPECT MPI

New 2018 guidelines for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) protocols on conventional and novel single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for nuclear cardiology practitioners has received praise from the Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).

June 21, 2018

ASNC, IAC, SNMMI in sync to mandate optimized radiation doses in nuclear cardiology

Organizations are working in sync to put a focus on mandating optimized radiation doses in nuclear cardiology studies performed across the nation and beyond.

November 17, 2016

ASNC, SNMMI release position statement, guidelines on myocardial perfusion PET

After reviewing the available literature, the societies said that rest-stress myocardial perfusion PET was a first-line preferred test for patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease who meet the criteria for stress imaging and are unable to complete the diagnostic level exercise stress imaging study.

August 22, 2016

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Nuclear Medicine

New PET technique slashes scan times, improves image quality in neuroblastoma cases

'Game changer' prostate imaging agent granted FDA's Fast Track designation

FAPI PET improves staging and clinical management for a significant portion of pancreatic cancers

FDA sees potential in new PET imaging agent for cardiac amyloidosis

Hall of Fame Health partnership set to advance study of neurodegeneration via new PET imaging agent

Around the web