CMS effectively ushered in a fresh start for oncologic PET imaging upon the final coverage decision for PET imaging of solid tumors announced on June 11. Elaboration of new coverage was provided on June 13 and the NOPR (the National Oncologic Pet Registry) was concluded as of June 11. Representatives from the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and NOPR moderated a webinar June 19 to discuss the decision and to counsel clinicians on how PET imaging is expected to move forward.

The FDA has cleared the latest wireless digital radiography detector from Carestream Health.

A new standard is being set for technologists working within the emerging discipline of PET/MR. A meeting of minds from both sides of the technology is necessary to assure a high level of patient care to include diversified education and protocols within the imaging suite, according to a joint consensus statement by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging’s Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS) and the Section of Magnetic Resonance Technologists (SMRT) published April 30 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology.

June seems to be the month for molecular imaging. Gregor Robertson, mayor of Vancouver, proclaimed it to be “Nuclear and Molecular Imaging Week” during the Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging’s (SNMMI) annual meeting June 8-12. Not to be outdone by politicians, researchers pulled out all the stops, highlighting how molecular modalities best conventional options in cardiac imaging and treatment response for conditions from breast cancer to major depression.

A multicenter reader study designed to examine the effect of CAD on the diagnostic accuracy of breast MRI indicated improved sensitivity and comparable accuracy among novice and expert readers reviewing images without and with CAD, according to a study published in the June issue of American Journal of Roentgenology. CAD software did not increase interpretation time.

Microsoft Research unveiled a prototype touchscreen that may allow physicians to interact with an MR exam in 3D.

A meta-analysis demonstrated a link between treatment effects detected in MRI lesions and clinical relapse, suggesting the markers can be leveraged as a primary endpoint in future clinical trials of treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) in specific situations, according to a study published online June 3 in Lancet Neurology.

If the number of men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer who opted for watchful waiting increased from 10 percent to 50 percent, the resulting savings would surpass $1 billion, researchers estimated in a study published June 18 in Annals of Internal Medicine. The authors noted that new molecular imaging techniques could improve classification of low-risk candidates and set the stage for a more conservative approach than the active surveillance model.