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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Imaging advocates want nuclear medicine technologists reclassified as healthcare professionals

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging made its case in an Aug. 12 letter to the Office of Management and Budget.

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FDA denies pharma firm’s initial application for new kidney cancer imaging agent

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. announced the news on July 31, with the decision applying to its TLX250-CDx investigational agent for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (brand name Zircaix). 

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Pharmacist pleads guilty to 'adulterating' radiopharmaceuticals

According to the DOJ, the pharmacist and those working under him “would ‘fractionate’ or ‘split’ the active ingredient of Technescan MAG3, without ensuring the pieces were equal in size, purity or strength.” 

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After IPO fails, imaging agent developer Telix Pharmaceuticals raises $429M via debt

The Melbourne, Australia-based radiopharmaceutical firm plans to use the proceeds to accelerate development of products in its theranostics portfolio.

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) is asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use software provision mandate, which physicians say is an obstacle to efficient care.

ASNC asks Congress to officially repeal the AUC mandate for advanced medical imaging

Medicare rescinded the provision in the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, but the law remains on the books. 

How the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule could impact nuclear cardiology

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology explored some key points included in the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.

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Lantheus acquires developer of next-generation PET imaging agent for Alzheimer’s

Meilleur Technologies’ portfolio includes the worldwide exclusive rights to NAV-4694, also known as F18-flutafuranol, which is in phase 3 trials. 

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CMS proposes issuing separate payment for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals in 2025

For years, the agency has packaged payment for nuclear imaging agents with the procedure, but this has created a barrier for those who require pricier new drugs. 

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Around the web

Health Imaging
Outdated manuals pose MRI safety risks for patients with medical implants

After reviewing years of data from its clinic, one institution discovered that issues with implant data integrity frequently put patients at risk. 

Health Imaging
What might reimbursements for proposed MRI safety CPT codes look like?

Prior to the final proposal’s release, the American College of Radiology reached out to CMS to offer its recommendations on payment rates for five out of the six the new codes.

Health Imaging
'A very, very good thing'—CMS proposes reimbursements for providers' efforts to ensure MRI safety

“Before these CPT codes there was no real acknowledgment of the additional burden borne by the providers who accepted these patients."

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