Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine (also called molecular imaging) includes positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Nuclear imaging is achieved by injecting small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) into patients before or during their scan. These can use sugars or chemical traits to bond to specific cells. The radioactive material is taken up by cells that consume the sugars. The radiation emitted from inside the body is detected by photon detectors outside the body. Computers take the data to assemble images of the radiation emissions. Nuclear images may appear fuzzy or ghostly rather than the sharper resolution from MRI and CT.  But, it provides metabolic information at a cellular level, showing if there are defects in the function of the heart, areas of very high metabolic activity associated with cancer cells, or areas of inflammation, data not available from other modalities. These noninvasive imaging exams are used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, bone disorders and other disorders. 

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FDA approves new prostate cancer imaging agent with extended shelf life

The new product from Telix paves the way for increased access at clinics where prostate PET may not have been available in the past.

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Mexico, not China, is biggest tariff concern among radiology vendors

If 25% tariffs go into effect, it could have a big impact on the cost of medical imaging and radiotherapy systems, with many manufacturing facilities in Mexico. 

Evergreen Theragnostics

Lantheus to acquire radiopharma firm Evergreen Theragnostics for up to $1B

Founded in 2019, Evergreen develops and manufactures imaging agents aimed at diagnosing and treating cancer, including Octevy for neuroendocrine tumors. 

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Imaging agent developer Telix finalizes $250M purchase of RLS radiopharma network

RLS operates America’s only Joint Commission-accredited radiopharmacy network, with 31 locations covering over 85% of the U.S. population. 

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Dementia cases are about to skyrocket—how will this affect imaging demand?

Recent projections could create an environment of unprecedented demand for nuclear imaging.

Lantheus

Lantheus to acquire PET agent developer Life Molecular Imaging for up to $750M

LMI is the maker of Neuraceq, a globally approved F-18 PET imaging agent used to detect beta-amyloid plaques in patients evaluated for Alzheimer’s

Telix Pharmaceuticals

Telix Pharmaceuticals to acquire portfolio of imaging-related assets for up to $185M

Inglewood, California-based biotechnology company ImaginAb is the seller, unloading a pipeline of drug candidates, technology platform and research facility. 

Video of SNMMI President Cathy Cutler explaining advocacy efforts for nuclear imaging. #SNMMI

Policy reforms in Washington that will impact nuclear imaging

SNMMI President Cathy Cutler, PhD, explains some of the key policy initiatives the society is pursuing to help support the field of nuclear medicine. 

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Around the web

Health Imaging
American College of Radiology announces significant expansion of Lung Cancer Screening Registry

The ACR hopes these changes, including the addition of diagnostic performance feedback, will help reduce the number of patients with incidental nodules lost to follow-up each year.

Health Imaging
AI reduces CT lung cancer screening workload by nearly 80%

And it can do so with almost 100% accuracy as a first reader, according to a new large-scale analysis.

Health Imaging
Nearly $800,000 settlement offered to family of man who died during MRI exam

The patient, who was being cared for in the ICU, was not accompanied or monitored by nursing staff during his exam, despite being sedated.