Researchers developed a computational technique combining genomic and tau PET imaging data to identify four subtypes of Alzheimer's disease. The integrated approach also revealed top genes associated with each subtype. This personalized diagnostic technique has potential for broad utility across various diseases.
Mullani, a pioneer in positron emission tomography (PET) prototype development, has been recognized for his significant contributions to the field. He developed new innovations in PET designs and published the first validation of time-of-flight information in PET to improve image quality.
Henry VanBrocklin, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, has been recognized for his decades-long research on novel radiopharmaceuticals and their applications in medical imaging. He is being honored with the prestigious Paul C. Aebersold Award for his contributions to nuclear medicine.
A new PET radiotracer called <sup> 18 </sup> F-Cholestify has been developed to visualize metabolic cholesterol clearance in the brain. The tracer successfully visualized brain cholesterol metabolism in rats, non-human primates, and humans, showing promising results for studying neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have developed a new PET model to quantify cardiac amyloidosis, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and monitoring. The study found that a two-tissue reversible compartment model is the best method for quantifying 18F-flutemetamol myocardial uptake.
A novel imaging agent has been developed to non-invasively detect pulmonary fibrosis in its early stages. The agent targets extracellular matrix fibers and has shown significant uptake in lungs with pulmonary fibrosis, matching histological results. This breakthrough could lead to earlier detection and better monitoring of the disease.
Researchers have made a significant finding in detecting brain tumors by exploiting folate receptors. Folate receptor expression is significantly higher in glioma tissue compared to adjacent healthy brain tissue, presenting a promising target for future treatments.
A Houston Methodist study found that COVID-19 variants and severity affect heart function, with microvascular involvement seen less often after nine months. The study recommends PET scans to check for microvascular dysfunction, which may be reversible.
Researchers confirm increased protein marker of inflammation in long COVID patients' brains, impacting depression and cognitive symptoms. CAMH study provides hope for new treatments using anti-inflammatory medications.
Researchers from the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting findings on combination therapies for breast cancer and a potential new treatment for patients with recurrent glioma. A phase 3 study evaluating vorasidenib versus placebo in patients with residual or recurrent grade 2 glioma with an IDH1/2 mutation is also be...
Researchers used a radiotracer to investigate AMPAR trafficking in patients with epilepsy, finding a positive correlation between cell surface AMPAR density and gamma activity. The study suggests that Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity differentially regulate brain function in epilepsy.
A recent meta-analysis shows that amino acid PET can accurately differentiate between recurrent brain metastases and treatment-related changes. This technology has the potential to reduce unnecessary invasive procedures and overtreatment in patients with cancer.
A new study has shown that FAPI PET imaging is superior to standard FDG PET in evaluating multiple types of cancer. A newly designed FAP-targeted treatment also suppressed tumor growth in several common cancers, suggesting a powerful tool for the field of clinical nuclear medicine.
A new MRI approach uses harmless glucose solution to map brain glucose metabolism, generating reliable results and potentially improving diagnosis of conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and deploy this less-invasive method for patients.
A new PSMA PET scoring system, the tumor-to-salivary gland ratio (PSG score), can predict patient response to <sup> 177 </sup> Lu-PSMA therapy. Patients with high PSG scores had longer PSA progression-free survival and overall survival rates.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique that visualizes the interaction between reactive astrocytes and neurons in the brain, revealing a potential breakthrough in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and treatment. The study found that acetate promotes reactive astrogliosis, leading to dementia, and offers a new target for AD treatment.
Researchers developed a chelator-free-radiolabeled polymersome capable of long-term multiday PET imaging in vivo. The nanovesicle meets key requirements for targeted cancer therapy, including precision targeting, stable radiotracer binding, and biocompatibility.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that early menopause may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease dementia. However, women who received hormone therapy around the time of menopause onset did not experience an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that timing is crucial when it comes to hormone therapy, ...
A new PET/CT scanner prototype has shown promising results in preclinical testing, offering higher resolution and accurate tumor assessment. The scanner aims to enhance treatment planning for head and neck cancers, which have a low five-year survival rate and high recurrence rate.
A literature review published by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging reveals how nuclear medicine brain imaging can help evaluate biological changes causing chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment. The findings confirmed the impact of chemotherapy drugs on cognitive function and highlighted the utility of various SP...
Current radiotherapy contouring guidelines often miss lesions in the prostate bed, leading to unnecessary tissue irradiation. PSMA PET mapping reveals that nearly a third of patients experience disease progression within 10 years after radical prostatectomy.
A new radiotracer successfully detected 100% of primary tumors across multiple cancer types, outperforming the current standard. It also showed promise in detecting lymph node and distant metastases, offering a promising alternative for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that patients receiving salvage radiation therapy (sRT) with PSA levels above 0.25 ng/mL had a 50% higher risk of death compared to those with lower PSA levels. The study suggests delaying sRT until PSA levels exceed 0.30 ng/mL may increase mortality risk.
Researchers discovered a significant increase in serotonin transporter density in the midbrain of patients with PMDD during the periovulatory phase, which was associated with increased depressed mood. The study suggests that taking SSRIs at specific times during the menstrual cycle may help target these changes and alleviate symptoms.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) have published a new procedure standard/practice guideline for somatostatin receptor (SSTR) PET imaging in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. The guideline focuses on improved sensitivity, lower radiation dose, and sh...
Studies elucidate key aspects of traditional Chinese compounds and modern cancer therapeutics, highlighting the efficacy of R. serra in treating colitis and identifying active components of Gan Cao in treating pneumonia. A new radiolabeled antibody-based probe for detecting PD-L1 expression in cancers also provides a novel approach to ...
A novel nuclear medicine imaging protocol, dual-phase amyloid PET, can assess both amyloid deposition and neurodegeneration with a single tracer injection, cutting costs and radiation exposure. The protocol was shown to be comparable in distinguishing patients with neurodegenerative diseases from controls.
Research suggests that a new combination of drugs is needed to find an effective treatment for TB meningitis due to multidrug-resistant strains. The FDA-approved BPaL regimen is not effective in treating TB meningitis because bedaquiline and linezolid cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
A new study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that e-cigarette users have greater lung inflammation than cigarette smokers and non-smokers. The study used PET imaging to compare lung inflammation between e-cigarette users and cigarette smokers, revealing a unique inflammatory response in the lungs.
A new study explores the relationship between fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) levels and heavy drinking patterns in young adults. Lower FAAH activity was associated with more severe drinking, increased cravings, and reduced sensitivity to alcohol's negative effects.
A novel imaging agent, 68Ga-FAPI, has been shown to reduce the number of false-positive PET/CT findings among cancer patients recently vaccinated for COVID-19. This can help prevent costly follow-up and false management decisions for cancer patients.
PSMA PET/MRI successfully determines prostate cancer likelihood of return within two years after prostatectomy, aiding treatment decisions. High uptake in primary lesion and metastasis are associated with rapid recurrence.
Researchers found reduced serotonin release capacity in individuals with depression, suggesting a blunted serotonin system. The study used novel imaging techniques to measure serotonin levels in the brain, providing crucial insights into the pathology of depression.
Scientists conducted whole-body PET scans using a radioactively labeled antibody tracer against CD8+ T-cells before and after starting immune checkpoint inhibitors. The results showed heterogeneous and dynamic responses among patients, revealing the complexity of the immunotherapy response.
A new PET imaging method is more effective than angiograms in determining the need for coronary stents or bypass surgery, according to UTHealth Houston researchers. The study confirms that PET threshold of severity at which stents and bypass surgery improve survival compared to medical treatment alone.
A Cornell-led collaboration used machine learning to predict Alzheimer's progression in cognitively normal and mildly impaired individuals. The modeling showed that MRI scans are most informative for asymptomatic cases, while PET scans are more effective for those with mild cognitive impairment.
A new molecular imaging radiotracer, <sup> 68 </sup> Ga-PentixaFor, demonstrates high image contrast in various cancers, including hematologic malignancies and small cell lung cancer. This agent targets the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), which is a predictor of poor prognosis in cancer patients.
A new radiotracer, 18F-SMBT-1, detects overexpressed monoamine oxidase-B in cognitively unimpaired individuals with high beta amyloid levels, a key early sign of Alzheimer's disease. The agent shows increased binding to reactive astrocytes, suggesting its potential as a surrogate marker for detecting Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers successfully visualized systemic joint involvement in patients with autoimmune arthritis using ultra-low dose total body PET/CT scans. The scans showed high agreement with standard joint-by-joint rheumatological evaluations and a moderate to strong correlation with rheumatological outcome measures.
A new study at the Turku PET Centre discovered that shorter daylight hours increase opioid receptor levels in brown fat of rats. This complements previous findings on day length modulating opioid receptor levels in brain emotional circuits.
A novel PET radiotracer has been developed to assess tumor aggressiveness in neuroendocrine neoplasms, providing valuable information for personalized care. High uPAR expression was associated with a worse prognosis, making it a potential target for therapy.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center found that metabolic imaging, combined with traditional treatment response assessment methods, can provide critical information to guide therapy for pancreatic cancer patients. The use of positron emission tomography (PET) with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) tracer adds significant pr...
A new study shows that PSMA PET/CT imaging can change treatment plans for nearly 50% of patients with prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy. The imaging technique detected disease in 46.9% of patients, leading to major changes in treatment plans, including recommendations for additional treatments.
Researchers have successfully visualized α-synuclein aggregates in the brains of patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) using a new positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent. The agent, 18F-SPAL-T-06, shows high specificity and potential for MSA diagnosis.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the superolateral branch of the medial forebrain bundle can alter metabolic brain changes over 12 months, making it a strong potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The results showed that 8 out of 10 patients experienced significant sy...
Researchers found a 20% decrease in coronary artery dilation and reduced myocardial flow reserve in patients with prior COVID-19 infection. This may lead to poor prognosis and higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
Researchers have developed a new method to efficiently make nano carriers loaded with radioactive salts for both imaging and treatment, offering a promising alternative to chemotherapy. The radiolabelling method allows clinicians to assess whether patients can benefit from chemotherapeutic treatment with micelles.
Researchers have discovered a functional link between STING signaling and immunometabolism, suggesting that PET imaging could measure the pharmacodynamic effects of STING-activating drugs. This approach may enable a whole-body analysis of immune activation in humans, guiding clinical development of anti-tumor therapy.
A study found that cold temperatures activate brown adipose tissue that competes with tumors for glucose, inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging survival. Researchers suggest that cold therapy could be a promising approach to cancer therapy.
Researchers have created a noninvasive method to identify tumors causing hypertension by reducing radiation exposure. The new fluorine-based agent replaces an iodine-based agent and may allow for screening of patients with hypertension-linked aldosterone adenomas.
A new PET imaging agent, <sup>68</sup> Ga-FAPI-46, has been shown to predict the severity of cardiac remodeling after a heart attack by identifying active fibrosis. This biomarker has potential to aid in diagnosis and treatment selection for patients with heart failure.
Current guidelines for salvage radiation treatments in patients with local recurrence of prostate cancer should be updated to consider information from PSMA PET imaging. PSMA PET is effective in identifying recurrences partially or fully outside the clinical target volume, suggesting its value for therapy planning.
Helen Nadel, MD, FRCPC, has been named president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI). She plans to address issues such as global communication, government and industry relationships, and diversity initiatives. With over 30 years of SNMMI membership, Nadel brings extensive experience to her role.
A new PET imaging agent, 18F-AlF-FAPI-74, has been found to effectively monitor and predict treatment response of an up-and-coming cancer therapy. This non-invasive imaging approach can help inform clinical decision-making early in the course of treatment.
Researchers developed an artificial intelligence method to generate high-quality 'PET/CT' images, reducing radiation exposure and allowing for more frequent imaging. This innovation has the potential to provide more accurate assessment of disease progression and treatment efficacy, ultimately improving patient care.
A novel somatostatin-receptor targeting peptide has shown excellent imaging in patients with meningiomas, identifying previously undetected lesions. The new agent offers significant logistical advantages, including a longer half-life and large-scale production capabilities.
A study using PET imaging found that severe obstructive sleep apnea is associated with abnormal heart blood flow reserve, increasing the risk of heart disease. The findings suggest that cardiac PET imaging can identify high-risk OSA patients.
A new ultra-low dose PET technique eliminates the need for a CT scan, significantly reducing patient radiation exposure. The technique uses background radiation to reconstruct attenuation maps and quantitative PET images, with an average organ quantitative error of 4.8-10 percent.
The JNM Molecular Imaging of Neurodegeneration Supplement provides an overview of molecular imaging techniques in neurodegenerative disorders. The supplement aims to improve early and differential diagnosis, as well as stratify and monitor therapy in these disorders.
A new deep learning method, PDD-Net, uses 3D deep convolutional neural networks to extract deep metabolic imaging indices from PET scans for differential diagnosis of parkinsonian diseases. The method achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates for Parkinson's disease and other parkinsonian syndromes.