Arvin Haj-Mirzaian, MD, and Pedram Heidari, MD, receive SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund Award

Reston, VA (March 19, 2026)-- The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has named Arvin Haj-Mirzaian, MD, instructor in radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and Pedram Heidari, MD, chief of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School, as recipients of a $100,000 Drs. Jane & Abass Alavi Mars Shot Research Award from the 2026 Mars Shot Fund. The Alavi Mars Shot Award is focused on advancing imaging research in infection and inflammation, and Haj-Mirzaian and Heidari s grant was awarded based on their proposal, " ¹⁸ F-NaF PET/CT for early detection and diagnosis of calciphylaxis in dialysis-dependent patients."

Calciphylaxis is a rare vascular calcification syndrome mainly affecting end-stage kidney disease patients on dialysis. It causes blockage of small dermal and subcutaneous branches of arteries, resulting in painful necrotic skin ulcers, and has a 30 50 percent one-year mortality rate. Early diagnosis is difficult, and nearly 75 percent of patients are initially misdiagnosed.

"The current standard for calciphylaxis diagnosis is skin biopsy, however it is invasive and has limited sensitivity of just over 50 percent," said Haj-Mirzaian. "Not only do biopsies have poor diagnostic reliability, but delayed or missed diagnosis prevents timely intervention, resulting in high morbidity and mortality."

In the study, researchers will address the need for non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of calciphylaxis burden by evaluating the efficacy of ¹⁸ F-NaF PET/CT as a molecular imaging biomarker in high-risk dialysis patients. The prospective, clinical study will utilize three groups: dialysis-dependent patients suspected of calciphylaxis, high-risk dialysis-dependent patients without suspicion, and lower-risk controls. All will undergo ¹⁸ F-NaF PET/CT imaging, and findings will be compared to a strict reference standard including clinical review, skin biopsy (if available), and outcomes.

According to Heidari, "Early, accurate diagnosis with ¹⁸ F-NaF PET/CT could enable timely interventions like wound care, sodium thiosulfate treatment, and stopping triggering agents such as warfarin to prevent tissue necrosis. As a clinical tool for calciphylaxis, ¹⁸ F-NaF PET/CT has the potential to shift diagnosis from end-stage to early, minimally invasive molecular detection, potentially reducing misdiagnosis and mortality."

Haj-Mirzaian's scientific work focuses on developing and translating molecular imaging tools to improve patient care, and his research combines genomics, radiochemistry, and PET imaging to better understand disease biology and guide precision therapy. He received his medical degree from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran.

Heidari specializes in the development and translation of advanced precision imaging techniques for improving cancer management and patient outcomes. His research interests include developing molecularly targeted imaging probes and theranostics for oncology, with a particular focus on the role of precision imaging in personalized therapy dosing. Heidari received his medical degree from the University of Medical Sciences in Tehran.

Established in 2023, the SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund is a forward-looking glimpse into the future of nuclear medicine. It provides resources that translate visionary nuclear medicine imaging, radiopharmaceutical therapy, and data science research or projects into tools or treatments that will help improve the lives of patients.

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About the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is 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. For more information, visit snmmi.org .