Researchers have developed a new theranostic approach using copper radionuclides that improves survival rates and reduces tumor volume in neuroendocrine tumors. The new method produces high-quality PET images and demonstrates improved efficacy when delivered as two fractionated doses.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine has published a special supplement commemorating six decades of leadership in the field, featuring influential manuscripts that shaped the future of medicine. The supplement highlights landmark papers on PET, Anger camera, and fusion PET/CT, as well as the journal's past editors and associate editors.
A proof-of-concept study found that 68Ga-pentixafor PET imaging effectively diagnoses and manages rare CNS B-cell lymphoma by targeting the CXCR4 biomarker. The imaging modality showed excellent contrast characteristics between lymphoma lesions and surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Researchers pooled data from multiple sites to visualize neuroinflammation in ALS patients, enhancing detection and developing drugs. The study used two second-generation translator protein tracers and found improved power to detect inflammation compared to individual site data alone.
Researchers developed a novel photodynamic therapy to target insulin-producing lesions, showing promise in slowing tumor growth and inducing cell death. The treatment could provide a minimally invasive option for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, improving patient management.
A new radioimmunotherapy has proven effective in reversing resistance to the most commonly used lymphoma drug, rituximab. In a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma mouse model, the treatment substantially increased rituximab binding and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity, resulting in significant tumor growth delay.
A new intraoperative imaging technique, Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI), can accurately assess surgical margins during radical prostatectomy by detecting prostate cancer tissue at the resection margin. CLI has shown high diagnostic accuracy in detecting tumor cells and positive surgical margins.
A single-center observational study found that PET/MRI improves lesion detectability in select cancers and significantly reduces overall radiation exposure compared to PET/CT. The study, published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, shows that PET/MRI can promote fast, efficient local and whole-body staging in one step.
The SNMMI Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship provides extensive training and experience for Japanese physicians in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. The program has graduated 30 fellows since its inception and supports the worldwide advancement of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.
Researchers developed a simplified process to estimate radiation dose using a single post-treatment SPECT/CT scan, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes by tailoring treatments to individual patients' physiology. The method was applied to 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy for metastatic prostate cancer.
A new alpha-radioimmunotherapy has proven effective in preventing tumor growth and increasing survival in multiple myeloma tumor-bearing mice. The therapy targets CD38 protein on tumoral cells and reduces unwanted radiation exposure on normal tissues.
A genomic signature associates with differential expression of glucose transporters and hexokinase proteins in prostate cancers with low PSMA expression. This allows for improved uptake of 18F-FDG compared to PSMA-targeted radioligands, making it an attractive imaging tool for neuroendocrine prostate cancer patients.
Research at SNMMI 2020 Annual Meeting found super-agers have lower tau and amyloid pathology associated with neurodegeneration. This enables them to maintain their cognitive skills even at advanced ages. The study suggests a potential pathway for successful aging and developing novel treatments to tackle age-related diseases.
A novel bone imaging approach has established that bone metabolism is abnormally elevated in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This finding provides a new functional measure to assess degeneration of the knee joint, and may help develop interventions to slow or arrest its progression.
Researchers developed a novel radioiodinated PSMA-targeting radiopharmaceutical that can be produced in high yields without generating volatile byproducts. The agent shows exceptional effectiveness for precision diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in preclinical studies, targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).
Researchers used a novel imaging agent to visualize inter-organ communication between the heart and kidneys via the immune system following acute myocardial infarction. The study found a systemic inflammatory response, suggesting a potential mechanism for disease progression and therapy response.
Peter S. Conti, MD, PhD, received the 2020 Benedict Cassen Prize for his pioneering work in radiopharmaceuticals and clinical PET applications for cancer imaging. The award recognizes his contributions to advancing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.
A multicenter trial found that PSMA PET/CT identified disease in over half of patients with negative conventional imaging, leading to changes in management in 66% of cases. The most common changes were conversion to surgery or radiation, or addition of nodal-directed therapy.
Stephen L. Bacharach, PhD, is recognized for his contributions to gated cardiac blood pool imaging, informatics, and data processing. His research has had a significant impact on nuclear medicine and cardiology.
A new radiotracer measures synaptic density changes in the brain after stroke, providing an objective and quantitative measure of disease progression. This method may also help detect stroke early and evaluate recovery.
A new study using uEXPLORER technology successfully detected metastatic cancer in patients, providing high-quality images of tumor behavior. Parametric images showed improved visibility of cancer lesions detection and multi-parametric characterization of tumor metastases.
A new molecular imaging approach using PET/MRI has been developed to precisely identify the location of pain generators in chronic pain patients. This approach resulted in a significant modification of management plans for nearly half of the patients, with some receiving invasive procedures.
A new PET radiotracer has been proven safe and effective in imaging malignant brain tumors with high sensitivity. The radiotracer targets αvβ3 integrin, which is overexpressed in glioblastomas, allowing for superior visualization of tumors.
Carolyn J. Anderson, PhD, has been recognized for her pioneering work in radiometal-based radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy of cancer and other diseases. Her research focuses on developing imaging agents for upregulated receptors on immune cells involved in inflammation related to lung diseases.
Targeted radionuclide therapy has been shown to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapies in treating prostate cancer by modifying the tumor microenvironment. The treatment can achieve immunomodulation at relatively low radiation doses without affecting the normal immune system.
The uEXPLORER TB-PET/CT scanner offers a new imaging option for inflammatory arthritis by capturing glucose metabolism in normal and diseased joint tissues across the body. This allows for quantifying systemic inflammatory burden, which could have direct implications for disease staging, treatment selection, and monitoring of treatment...
A new radiotracer, 68Ga-DOTA-JR11, has shown excellent imaging performance in detecting liver metastases and providing important information to guide treatment. The study found that 68Ga-DOTA-JR11 performed better than 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in detecting liver lesions, with a higher tumor-to-background ratio.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine in nuclear cardiology, enabling continued service during outbreaks. Nuclear medicine also offers potential for repurposing pharmaceuticals and developing new treatments targeting different aspects of the virus.
Research identified potentially treatable genetic mutations in prostate cancer patients who did not respond to PSMA-targeted therapy. Targeted next-generation gene sequencing found mutations in six out of seven patients, including alterations in DNA damage-repair genes such as TP53, ATM, and CHEK2.
Researchers used molecular imaging to track DNA damage in neuroendocrine tumors treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE. The technique enabled visualization of γH2AX foci just days after treatment, providing insights into therapeutic outcomes and potential dose adjustments.
Researchers have found that the new radiotracer 18F-PSMA-1007 offers advantages over established agent 68Ga-PSMA-11 in staging prostate cancer. The study showed near-equal performance between the two tracers, with 18F-PSMA-1007 detecting additional lesions in four patients.
Patients receiving 177Lu-DOTATATE radiation therapy may experience travel delays at U.S. ports of entry due to residual radiation activity; carrying a travel card with treatment information can help alleviate this issue.
The global nuclear medicine community has shared approaches to containing the spread of COVID-19, including triage, reduced elective studies, improved hygiene practices, and rotation of medical personnel. These measures aim to minimize patient contact and optimize distance to reduce the risk of transmission.
Researchers used total-body PET imaging to track the distribution of 89Zr-labeled antibodies in preclinical trials, achieving excellent image quality up to 30 days after injection. The study demonstrates the potential of this technique for extended imaging windows and low-dose radioactivity.
Researchers found reduced glucose metabolism in the brain stem and primary auditory cortex of patients with asymmetric hearing loss. Long duration of hearing impairment was associated with higher glucose metabolism on the contralateral side.
Researchers used PET myocardial perfusion imaging to quantify myocardial blood flow and flow reserve, successfully detecting cardiac allograft vasculopathy and predicting prognosis. The study found MFR had higher accuracy in predicting overall prognosis for cardiac transplant patients.
A new radiopharmaceutical, [55Co]Co-DOTATATE, has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor metastases. It resulted in superior image contrast and enhanced detection compared to commonly used imaging agents.
A new therapy option has been identified for early-stage breast cancer using the radiopharmaceutical 223RaCl2, which delays the growth of disseminated tumor cells. The treatment shows promise in delaying tumor progression and may be an adjuvant therapy option for select patients.
Researchers have identified several potentially useful breast cancer biomarkers that indicate the presence and risk of malignancy. PET/MRI imaging revealed differences in biomarkers between healthy contralateral breast tissue of patients with malignant and benign breast tumors.
A new radiotracer, 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET, can effectively image fibroblast activation after myocardial infarction, identifying a time window during which cardiac fibrosis can be prevented. This technology may aid in the clinical management of patients after a heart attack.
A new non-invasive imaging technique using 89Zr-immuno-PET can measure target engagement of therapeutic antibodies in tumors, enabling personalized treatment. This method provides a significant advance over current invasive methods and has important implications for patient care.
A novel theranostic reagent has been developed to detect and treat metastatic prostate cancer, achieving high imaging accuracy. The reagent targets STEAP1 antigen, identifying lesions in patients with a significant number of positive results.
Researchers discovered a new way to optimize PSMA-targeted prostate cancer treatment by adjusting peptide concentrations, reducing tumor uptake and salivary gland damage. The study suggests that setting an optimal molar activity level can minimize adverse effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
A study has developed a method to determine activity in bone marrow, enabling personalized dosimetry. This approach can predict the effectiveness of treatment and prevent bone marrow toxicity.
Researchers developed a novel noninvasive imaging technique using multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) and ultrasound to diagnose thyroid disorders. MSOT/ultrasound images revealed significant biomarker changes in Graves' disease and malignant thyroid nodules, showing promise for improved diagnostics.
A new study finds that 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT is a more accurate method for selecting patients with neuroendocrine tumors who may benefit from peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. The imaging modality yields significantly higher Krenning scores and detects eligible patients with smaller lesions.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine has seen a significant increase in its impact factor, with a jump of 25% compared to the previous year. The journal's immediacy index also increased, indicating a faster pace of citation activity.
Researchers found PRRT to be safe and effective for patients with grade 3 neuroendocrine neoplasms, with a median progression-free survival rate of 9.6 months and overall survival rate of 19.9 months. Patients with low Ki-67 index responded more favorably to PRRT.
Researchers have developed ultrasmall nanoclusters with antioxidative properties that can pass through the kidneys' filtration barrier to alleviate clinical symptoms of AKI. Selenium-doped carbon quantum dots also demonstrated effective treatment and prevention of AKI in mice by localizing in the kidneys and eliminating ROS.
Research presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Annual Meeting found that tobacco smokers have reduced neuroimmune function compared to nonsmokers. This impairment may contribute to compulsive drug use and cognitive dysfunction in smokers trying to quit.