Reston, VA (February 2, 2026)— New research has been published ahead-of-print by The Journal of Nuclear Medicine ( JNM ). JNM is published by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to advancing nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics—precision medicine that allows diagnosis and treatment to be tailored to individual patients in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Summaries of the newly published research articles are provided below.
A New Radiotracer Targets Cancer More Precisely
Researchers created a new CXCR4-targeting radiolabeled peptide, BL34, designed for cancer imaging and therapy. In mouse models of mantle cell lymphoma, 68 Ga-BL34 produced clear tumor images, while 177 Lu-BL34 accumulated strongly in tumors, cleared quickly from healthy organs, and extended survival in a dose-dependent manner during preclinical testing studies.
Imaging Scan Forecasts Prostate Cancer Outcomes
In a large international study, researchers evaluated whether 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT scans could predict outcomes in higher-risk prostate cancer. Among 775 men, scan results closely tracked recurrence, event-free survival, and overall survival, clearly distinguishing patients with localized disease from those with lymph node or distant spread.
A Simpler Scan for Pinpointing a Common Cause of High Blood Pressure
Primary aldosteronism often requires invasive adrenal vein sampling to guide treatment. In this pilot study, researchers tested 68 Ga-pentixafor PET/CT as a noninvasive alternative. The scan showed strong accuracy for identifying unilateral disease and was faster, better tolerated, and preferred by most patients.
PET Imaging Clues to Who Benefits from Targeted Alpha Therapy
Researchers studied whether baseline PSMA PET/CT scans can predict outcomes of 225 Ac-PSMA therapy in advanced prostate cancer. In 26 patients, tumor uptake measures correlated with early PSA response, progression risk, and survival, suggesting imaging biomarkers may help identify patients more likely to benefit from this emerging treatment.
Which Scan Stages Prostate Cancer Best?
Accurately mapping prostate cancer helps doctors choose the right treatment. In a head-to-head comparison, researchers evaluated PSMA PET/CT, GRPR PET/CT, MRI, and combined imaging against surgical pathology. PSMA PET/CT—especially when paired with MRI—more reliably identified tumor extent and features linked to recurrence risk.
Seeing Immunotherapy Targets in Breast Cancer
Researchers tested an experimental PET scan that visualizes PD-L1 using a radiolabeled immunotherapy drug in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. In three patients, scans revealed PD-L1–positive lesions and differences between metastases, sometimes missed by biopsy, suggesting whole-body imaging may better guide immunotherapy treatment decisions.
Why Dose Matters in a New Cancer Imaging Scan
Scientists studied how different injected amounts of a new fibroblast activation protein PET tracer affect scan quality. In nearly 40 cancer patients, lower doses led to more background blood signal, while higher doses produced clearer tumor images, showing that tracer mass strongly influences how well cancers can be seen.
Can Radiation Dose Patterns Predict Tumor Response?
In patients with neuroendocrine tumors treated with 177 Lu-DOTATATE, researchers analyzed imaging-based radiation dose measurements across treatment cycles. Tumors showing higher cumulative doses and larger cycle-to-cycle dose changes were more likely to shrink, suggesting that tracking dose dynamics on scans may help forecast treatment response.
Tracking a Liver Imaging Tracer Across Species
Researchers followed a new 68 Ga PET tracer designed for liver imaging in mice, ostrich embryos, and a healthy human volunteer. The tracer consistently accumulated in the liver and exited through bile, but timing differed across species, highlighting both the value and limits of animal models for translating liver imaging tools to humans.
Visit the JNM website for the latest research, and follow our new Twitter and Facebook pages @JournalofNucMed or follow us on LinkedIn .
###
Please visit the SNMMI Media Center for more information about molecular imaging and precision imaging. To schedule an interview with the researchers, please contact Rebecca Maxey at (703) 652-6772 or rmaxey@snmmi.org .
About JNM and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM) is the world’s leading nuclear medicine, molecular imaging and theranostics journal, accessed 15 million times each year by practitioners around the globe, providing them with the information they need to advance this rapidly expanding field. Current and past issues of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine can be found online at http://jnm.snmjournals.org.
Journal of Nuclear Medicine