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.

Lantheus set to close $750M acquisition of PET agent developer Life Molecular Imaging
LMI is the maker of Neuraceq, a globally approved F-18 positron emission tomography imaging agent used to detect beta-amyloid plaques in patients evaluated for Alzheimer’s.
Rural patients less likely to undergo PET imaging for prostate cancer
Experts suggest possible remedies to this disparity, including mobile PET units or establishing hub-and-spoke care models.
Bristol Myers Squibb will pay $350M-plus to add prostate cancer imaging agent
Subsidiary RayzeBio has inked a definitive deal to license the worldwide rights for the drug from Philochem, a Swiss biotechnology firm.
FDA-cleared software increases throughput for flurpiridaz back-to-back rest-stress imaging
The new F-18 flurpiridaz radiotracer is expected to help drive cardiac PET growth, but it requires waiting between rest and stress scans. Software from MultiFunctional Imaging can help care teams combat that problem.
Radiopharma firm Telix launches new prostate cancer imaging agent Gozellix in US
The PET (positron emission tomography) product is now commercially available through distributors including Cardinal Health, PharmaLogic, Jubilant Radiopharma, and RLS.

Humana agrees to take second look at panned payment change labeling PET/CT as ‘investigational’

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology recently met with the Louisville, Kentucky, insurer, which shared an openness to reviewing a recent coverage determination.

Top nuclear imaging group ‘strongly disagrees’ with Humana’s decision to refuse coverage for PET/CT

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging said the move denies patients access to potentially lifesaving technologies.

ASNC monitoring potential Mo-99 supply shortages due to COVID-19

The president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology said there are no shortfalls reported at this time, but the organization is keeping an eye on the situation as more countries implement travel bans.

Nuclear medicine, cardio groups reject proposed myocardial PET cuts

Multiple nuclear medicine and cardiology groups are working to oppose potential cuts to myocardial PET scans that were made possible by the CMS 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, according to a joint statement.

Industry groups oppose proposed myocardial PET cuts

When CMS released the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, it included revisions that could lead to technical component payment reductions of up to 80% for certain services related to myocardial PET scans.

SNMMI introduces newest officers during annual conference

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) continued a busy four-day stretch by introducing several new officers during its 2019 Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California.

SNMMI presents 2 prestigious awards at annual conference

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) presented two prestigious awards during its 2019 Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California.

SNMMI names recipient of annual government relations fellowship

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) announced that Courtney Lawhn-Heath, MD, has been awarded the 2019 Robert E. Henkin Government Relations Fellowship.

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

FDA-cleared software increases throughput for flurpiridaz back-to-back rest-stress imaging

The new F-18 flurpiridaz radiotracer is expected to help drive cardiac PET growth, but it requires waiting between rest and stress scans. Software from MultiFunctional Imaging can help care teams combat that problem.

Health Imaging

MRI projectile incident likely to result in a 'seven-figure sum' repair bill for hospital

News of an incident is a stark reminder that healthcare workers and patients aren’t the only ones who need to be aware around MRI suites.

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.