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SNMMI News

• Potential Jurors Favor Use of Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicine

  Jan 11, 2021 — Physicians who follow artificial intelligence advice may be considered less liable for medical malpractice than is commonly thought, according to a new study published in JNM.

• This Month in JNM

  Jan 4, 2021 — In January JNM: Humana and 18F-FDG PET/CT … Discussions with Leaders … Mars shot for nuclear medicine … Juror views on medical AI liability … Liability for physician use of AI … Machine learning in NM … Featured: Timing of 64Cu-DOTATATE PET/CT…PET imaging of CCR2 in injured heart…Procedure standard: Pediatric oncologic 18F-FDG PET/CT … and more.

• President Signs 2021 Appropriations Act, Supplements Physician Reimbursement, Provides COVID-19 Relief

  Dec 27, 2020 — Today, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 into law. The House (359 to 53) and Senate (91 to 7) passed the legislation by a vote of 359 to 53 on December 22. This is good news for physician reimbursement.

• SNMMI & Partners Take Action to Ensure Imaging Professionals are Included in Phase 1a of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

  Dec 16, 2020 — On December 1, the CDC ACIP recommended that health care personnel who provide direct patient care be the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccination when it becomes available. SNMMI has taken action with partner organizations to support the inclusion of imaging professionals in that allocation.

• SNMMI and Coalition Support Bill Waiving Budget Neutrality in New Senate Bill

  Dec 15, 2020 — Yesterday, SNMMI and a coalition consisting of 77 medical societies sent a letter to Congress in support of S. 5007, a bill to halt pending Medicare payment cuts resulting from the planned evaluation and management (E/M) code changes slated for implementation on January 1, 2021.

• New Theranostic Approach Reduces Tumor Volume and Increases Survival in Neuroendocrine Tumor Study

  Dec 15, 2020 — A pair of copper radionuclides that target the somatostatin receptor overexpressed in neuroendocrine tumors has proven successful in identifying tumors and improving survival, according to new research published in JNM.

• PET Imaging Tracer Proves Effective for Diagnosing and Managing Rare CNS B-Cell Lymphoma

  Dec 9, 2020 — PET imaging with Ga-68-pentixafor is an effective diagnostic tool for central nervous system B-cell lymphoma, according to a proof-of-concept study published in the December issue of JNM.

• The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Celebrates 60 Years of Research

  Dec 9, 2020 — The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM) has issued a special supplement commemorating six decades of leadership in the field of nuclear medicine, molecular imaging and therapy.

• Final 2021 MPFS Rule Fails to Provide Relief, SNMMI and Coalition Lobby Congress to Protect Physician Reimbursement and Access to Care

  Dec 2, 2020 — Yesterday evening, December 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule. Though SNMMI agrees with the adoption of the new evaluation and management (E/M) coding structure recommended by the American Medical Association (AMA), this will result in significant payment reductions to nuclear medicine (~8%) and radiology (~11%) services unless the government removes the budget neutrality requirements.

• FDA Announces First-Ever Approval of PSMA PET for Prostate Cancer Imaging

  Dec 2, 2020 — The FDA has approved ga-68 PSMA-11 for PET imaging of PSMA–positive lesions in men with prostate cancer. It is the first approval for a PSMA PET drug in the United States.

• Multi-Center, Multi-Tracer PET Studies Harmonized to Detect Neuroinflammation in ALS

  Dec 1, 2020 — A novel ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) study has pooled data from multiple sites to effectively visualize neuroinflammation, which is key to developing drugs to treat the disease.

• This Month in JNM

  Dec 1, 2020 — In December JNM: A Conversation with Frans van Houten, Royal Philips Electronics … State of the Art: 18F-FDG PET recommendations in lung infections … Commentaries: PET/CT in COVID-19, Molecular targeting of COVID-19, Low-dose radiation and COVID-19, Autoimmune encephalitis in COVID-19 … Featured: CXCR4 Imaging of CNS Lymphoma … 67Cu-CuSarTATE for radionuclide therapy … and more.

• SNMMI Objects to Humana’s Decision to Deny Coverage for PET/CT & SPECT/CT

  Nov 12, 2020 — On November 6, SNMMI received word regarding Humana’s recent decision [Policy Number: HCS-0506-010] to deny coverage for PET/CT (CPT codes 78429-78433) and SPECT/CT (78830, 78832) on the basis that it is “experimental/investigational” and “not identified as widely used and generally accepted for the proposed uses as reported in nationally recognized peer-reviewed medical literature.”

• SNMMI and Coalition Support Bill Waiving Budget Neutrality, Increasing Proposed Physician Reimbursement for 2021

  Nov 11, 2020 — Today, SNMMI and a coalition consisting of 73 medical societies sent a letter to Congress in support of H.R. 8702, a bill to halt pending Medicare payment cuts resulting from the planned evaluation and management (E/M) code changes slated for implementation on January 1, 2021.

• Novel Therapy Approach for Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia

  Nov 6, 2020 — A new method to treat hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia has proved highly selective in targeting lesions and effective in slowing tumor growth, according to research published in the November issue of JNM.

• This Month in JNM

  Nov 2, 2020 — In November JNM: A conversation with David Townsend and Thomas Beyer … State of the art: Improving TRT approaches … CE: Imaging the cancer immune environment … Featured: TSPO radioligand data pooling in ALS … Photodynamic therapy of GLP-1R–positive lesions … Cardiovascular Highlights Lecture … and more.

• SNMMI Joins Other Medical Societies in Support of Osteopathic Physicians

  Oct 29, 2020 — After recent public comments disparaging the legitimacy of osteopathic physicians, SNMMI joined with other medical societies in a statement of support

• SNMMI Joins Medical Societies in Denouncing Claims That Physicians Are Over-Counting COVID-19 Deaths for Financial Gain

  Oct 27, 2020 — SNMMI stands with the Council of Medical Specialty Societies and its fellow medical societies in condemning recent claims that hospitals and physicians are inflating the number of COVID-19 deaths for their own financial gain.

• FDA Approves Cyclotron-Produced Ga-68 DOTATOC for Neuroendocrine Tumors

  Oct 20, 2020 — A new process has been approved for producing gallium-68 (Ga-68) DOTATOC utilizing cyclotron-produced Ga-68, which will allow for higher-volume production.

• DOE Isotope Program Releases Annual Update on Medical Isotopes

  Oct 15, 2020 — The update details the research, development, and production of medically relevant isotopes within the DOE Isotope Program and outlines updates to program initiatives.

• SNMMI and Partners Ask Congress to Waive Budget Neutrality for MPFS

  Oct 13, 2020 — On Friday, SNMMI and several medical societies sent a joint letter asking Congress to waive budget neutrality for the relative value unit increases in the CY 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The CMS Proposed CY 2021 MPFS Rule increased payment rates for evaluation and management codes; however, because of budget neutrality imposed by Congress, increases would lead to huge deficits other payment rates.

• Novel Radioimmunotherapy Reverses Resistance to Commonly Used Lymphoma Drug

  Oct 7, 2020 — A new radioimmunotherapy has proven effective in reversing resistance to the most commonly used lymphoma drug, rituximab, according to research featured in the October issue of JNM.

• Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging Accurately Identifies Surgical Margin Status During Radical Prostatectomy

  Oct 6, 2020 — A new intraoperative imaging technique, Cerenkov luminescence imaging, can accurately assess surgical margins during radical prostatectomy, according to a first-in-human research published in the October issue of JNM.

• FDA-NRC Workshop: Register Now

  Oct 2, 2020 — Throughout the spring and summer, SNMMI has been working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on coordinating a workshop to be held on October 14, 2020.

• This Month in JNM

  Oct 1, 2020 — In October JNM: FDA-approved brain tau imaging … AD and neuropathic imaging changes … Featured: Cerenkov luminescence for prostatectomy … Lu-177 lilotomab radioimmunotherapy for NHL … 2020 SNMMI Highlights Lecture—general nuclear medicine … and more.

• SNMMI Comments on 2021 MPFS Proposed Rule

  Sep 30, 2020 — On Monday, August 3, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule. Though SNMMI agrees with the adoption of the new evaluation and management (E/M) coding structure recommended by the American Medical Association (AMA), this will result in significant payment reductions to nuclear medicine (~8%) and radiology (~11%) services unless the government removes the budget neutrality requirements.

• NRC Requests Comments on Additional Rulemaking for Extravasations

  Sep 29, 2020 — On September 15th, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requested comment from the public on whether additional rulemaking is needed to require reporting of certain nuclear medicine injection extravasations as medical events.

• NCCI Agrees with SNMMI's Proposed Changes to PTP Edit Errors

  Sep 21, 2020 — Due to SNMMI's diligence, CMS' National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) confirmed that its proposed Procedure to Procedure (PTP) edits for several of the new and revised CPT codes (effective January 1, 2020) will be corrected.

• NRC Considering Regulatory Relief for Training for Imaging and Localization Studies

  Sep 19, 2020 — SNMMI along with ASNC, ASTRO and ACR received a response from the NRC regarding their request for regulatory relief for training for imaging and localization studies during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

• PET/MRI Improves Lesion Detection, Reduces Radiation Exposure

  Sep 17, 2020 — A study of more than 1,000 oncological examinations has demonstrated that PET/MRI facilitates cancer staging as well as PET/CT and improves lesion detectability in select cancers, potentially helping to promote fast, efficient local and whole-body staging in one step.

• SNMMI and Partners Host Congressional Briefing on the Groundbreaking Potential of Radiopharmaceuticals in Oncology and Need for Expanded Patient Access

  Sep 17, 2020 — Yesterday, SNMMI and its coalition partners, Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) and Council on Radionuclides and Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc. (CORAR) hosted a virtual briefing for Capitol Hill staff yesterday with leading physicians to discuss the extraordinary and growing impact of positron emission tomography (PET) and nuclear medicine in cancer treatment, as well as the importance of expanding patient access to these drugs through passage of the Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act of 2019 (H.R. 3772).

• SNMMI 2020-2022 Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship Recipients Announced

  Sep 8, 2020 — The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020-2022 SNMMI Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship.

• Updated Statement: COVID-19 and Ventilation/Perfusion (V/Q) Lung Studies

  Sep 3, 2020 — SNMMI has released an updated statement on COVID-19 and ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) lung studies.

• Virtual Patient Education Day Event Draws 600+ Viewers

  Aug 28, 2020 — SNMMI and its Patient Advocacy Advisory Board (PAAB) held the Society’s annual Patient Education Day this year as a series of three virtual sessions, reaching the highest number of patients in the event’s nine-year history.

• CMS extends the AUC Program Educational and Operations Testing Period through CY 2021

  Aug 11, 2020 — The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided an update regarding the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) Program established by The Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) of 2014.

• New Approach for Calculating Radiation Dosimetry Allows for Individualized Therapy

  Aug 10, 2020 — Researchers from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre have developed a simplified dosimetry method that could enhance personalization of cancer therapy based on a single posttreatment scan.

• A Virtual Celebration of Life for Sam Gambhir, MD, PhD to take place on Friday, August 14, 2020

  Aug 8, 2020 — A Virtual Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, August 14, 2020 to honor molecular imaging pioneer Sanjiv “Sam” Gambhir, MD, PhD, who passed away on Saturday, July 18, from cancer.

• New Multiple Myeloma Therapy Shows Promise in Preclinical Study

  Aug 6, 2020 — A new alpha-radioimmunotherapy, 212Pb-anti-CD38, has proven effective in preventing tumor growth and increasing survival in multiple myeloma tumor-bearing mice, according to research published in JNM.

• CMS Releases 2021 MPFS Proposed Rule

  Aug 4, 2020 — On August 3, CMS released the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. In this rule, CMS proposed changes to the payment provisions, introduced new coding structure for the evaluation and management codes and updated the Quality Payment Program.

• Patient, Healthcare Provider Groups Join Together to Promote a #ReturnToCare

  Aug 4, 2020 — More than a dozen patient advocacy organizations and medical societies have formed a coalition to promote public health by encouraging patients to seek necessary screenings, vaccinations, scans, and treatments that have been put off as a result of concerns about COVID-19.

• This Month in JNM

  Aug 3, 2020 — In August JNM: Discussions with Christoph Zindel and Kelsey Martin … COVID: PRRT during COVID-19 ; Overcoming the COVID-19 crisis … Hot Topics: Workforce impact of COVID-19 ; Amyloid and tau PET for drug testing … Focus on MI: PET and neuroinflammation … State of the Art: Molecular image-guided surgery … Featured: PET/MRI versus PET/CT in oncology … Targeted radionuclide therapy for TNBC … Special Contribution: AUC for PET MPI

• SNMMI Receives $750K Grant to Assist Nuclear Medicine Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa

  Jul 29, 2020 — The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has awarded SNMMI a grant for $750,000 over three years to support capacity building for nuclear medicine initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa.

• SNMMI Selects Lucas J. Gross, MS, CNMT, RT(N)(ARRT), NMTCB (CT)(RS) as the 2020 Slosky Fellow

  Jul 28, 2020 — SNMMI provides the unique opportunity for a member to experience direct, personal exposure to the society’s professional relations activities with medical societies, patient groups, and professional organizations through the Ursula Kocemba-Slosky, PhD, Professional Relations Fellowship. This year, SNMMI is pleased to announce Lucas J. Gross, MS, CNMT, RT(N)(ARRT), NMTCB (CT)(RS) as our 2020 Slosky Fellow!

• SNMMI and Coalition Partners Re-Engage Grassroots Efforts

  Jul 23, 2020 — On July 16, the Health Policy and Regulatory Affairs (HPRA) and Outreach departments co-hosted a patient advocacy webinar on how to be an effective patient advocate for H.R. 3772, the “Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act of 2019.”

• Genomic Signature Explains FDG-Avidity of PSMA-Suppressed Prostate Tumors

  Jul 22, 2020 — Scientists from the University of Windsor have investigated why 18F-FDG imaging performs better than PSMA-targeted imaging for prostate cancer patients with low or no expression of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).

• Molecular Imaging Pioneer Sam Gambhir Passes Away

  Jul 19, 2020 — Molecular imaging pioneer Sanjiv “Sam” Gambhir, MD, PhD, passed away on Saturday, July 18, from cancer.

• SNMMI Announces Dusty M. York, MAEd, CNMT, PET, ARRT(N)(CT) as President-Elect of the Technologist Section During 2020 Annual Meeting

  Jul 14, 2020 — Dusty M. York, MAEd, CNMT, PET, ARRT(N)(CT), has been elected as the 2020-21 president-elect for the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section.

• SNMMI Announces Tina M. Buehner, MS, CNMT, NMTCB(CT)(RS), RT(N)(CT), FSNMMI-TS, as President of Technologist Section during 2020 Annual Meeting

  Jul 14, 2020 — Tina M. Buehner, MS, CNMT, NMTCB(CT)(RS), RT(N)(CT), FSNMMI-TS, has been named 2020-21 president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section.

• SNMMI Image of the Year: Super-Agers Show Resistance to Tau and Amyloid Accumulation, Maintain High Cognitive Function

  Jul 14, 2020 — Super-agers, or individuals whose cognitive skills are above the norm even at an advanced age, have been found to have increased resistance to tau and amyloid proteins, according to research presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) 2020 Annual Meeting.

• SNMMI Elects Munir Ghesani, MD, FACNM, FACR, as Vice President-Elect During 2020 Annual Meeting

  Jul 13, 2020 — Munir Ghesani, MD, FACNM, FACR, has been named as vice president-elect for the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

• SNMMI Elects Richard L. Wahl, MD, as President-Elect During 2020 Annual Meeting

  Jul 13, 2020 — Richard L. Wahl, MD, has been elected 2020-21 president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

• Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Announces 2020 Fellows

  Jul 13, 2020 — The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging recognized 10 new SNMMI Fellows on Monday, July 13, during a plenary session at the society’s 2020 Annual Meeting.

• SNMMI Elects Alan B. Packard, PhD, as President During 2020 Annual Meeting

  Jul 13, 2020 — Alan Packard, PhD, has been elected 2020-21 president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

• Molecular Imaging Identifies Link between Heart and Kidney Inflammation after Heart Attack

  Jul 12, 2020 — Whole body positron emission tomography (PET) has, for the first time, illustrated the existence of inter-organ communication between the heart and kidneys via the immune system following acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack.

• New PET Radiotracer Proven Safe and Effective in Imaging Malignant Brain Tumors

  Jul 12, 2020 — A first-in-human study presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2020 Annual Meeting has demonstrated the safety, favorable pharmacokinetic and dosimetry profile of 64Cu-EBRGD, a new, relatively long-lived PET tracer, in patients with glioblastomas.

• Novel Bone Imaging Approach Provides Insights into the Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis

  Jul 12, 2020 — A new approach to functional bone imaging has established that bone metabolism is abnormally elevated in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

• In Recurrent Prostate Cancer, PSMA PET/CT Changes Management in Two-Thirds of Cases

  Jul 12, 2020 — New research confirms the high impact of PSMA PET/CT in the detection and management of recurrent disease in prostate cancer patients.

• Total-Body Dynamic PET Successfully Detects Metastatic Cancer; First Patient Results Reported

  Jul 12, 2020 — Results from the first study using uEXPLORER to conduct total-body dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) scans in cancer patients show that it can be used to generate high-quality images of metastatic cancer.

• Carolyn J. Anderson, PhD, Receives SNMMI 2020 Paul C. Aebersold Award for Outstanding Achievement in Basic Nuclear Medicine Science

  Jul 12, 2020 — Carolyn J. Anderson, PhD, has been named the 2020 recipient of the prestigious Paul C. Aebersold Award. Anderson is a professor in the departments of medicine, radiology, bioengineering, chemistry, and pharmacology and chemical biology at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.

• Stephen L. Bacharach, PhD, Receives SNMMI Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award

  Jul 12, 2020 — Stephen L. Bacharach, PhD, a physicist known for his research in cardiac and PET oncology imaging, has been named as this year’s recipient of the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award.

• Targeted Radionuclide Therapy Enhances Prostate Cancer Response to Immunotherapies

  Jul 11, 2020 — Targeted radionuclide therapy has been found to create a favorable tumor microenvironment in prostate cancer that improves the effectiveness of immunotherapies.

• New Theranostic Agents Demonstrate Efficacy in Treatment of Prostate Cancer in Preclinical Studies

  Jul 11, 2020 — Researchers have developed a new pair of agents that show exceptional effectiveness for precision diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in preclinical studies.

• New PET/MRI Approach Pinpoints Chronic Pain Location, Alters Management

  Jul 11, 2020 — A new molecular imaging approach utilizing 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging can precisely identify the location of pain generators in chronic pain sufferers, often precipitating a new management plan for patients.

• Novel Radiotracer Measures Synaptic Activity After Stroke

  Jul 11, 2020 — A new radiotracer, 18F-SynVesT-2, can directly assess synaptic density changes in the brain, providing an objective and quantitative measure of disease progression after stroke.

• Total-Body PET/CT Captures Full Picture of Systemic Inflammatory Arthritis

  Jul 11, 2020 — For the first time, physicians can examine the systemic burden of inflammatory arthritis simultaneously across all joints and organ systems, using the high-sensitivity, high-resolution uEXPLORER total-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography scanner

• SNMMI Hosts FDA Townhall on the Impact of COVID-19

  Jul 10, 2020 — On Wednesday, June 17th, SNMMI hosted an FDA Townhall on the Impact of COVID-19 on regulatory activities.

• This Month in JNM

  Jul 2, 2020 — In July JNM: Editorial: Unacceptable Denials … Thomas Beyer interviews Yasuhito Sasaki … Featured: 212Pb-anti-CD38 in multiple myeloma … Single-time-point 177Lu-PSMA dosimetry … State of the Art: Toward molecular nuclear cardiology … Hot Topics: ISCHEMIA trial … and more.

• Journal of Nuclear Medicine Impact Factor Jumps More than Seven Percent

  Jun 29, 2020 — The Journal of Nuclear Medicine has achieved the highest impact factor ever in its 6o-year history, ranking fourth among all medical journals worldwide, according to new data just released in the 2019 Journal Citation Reports published by Clarivate Analytics.

• Novel Radiotracer Proves Advantageous for Imaging Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients with Liver-Dominant Disease

  Jun 24, 2020 — For neuroendocrine cancer patients with liver metastases, a new radiopharmaceutical has shown excellent imaging performance in tumor detection, staging and restaging, providing important information to guide treatment.

• SNMMI and Coalition Partners Embrace Virtual Fly-Ins

  Jun 18, 2020 — Beginning in June, SNMMI and our Appropriate Payment Coalition Partners, the Medical Imaging Technology Alliance (MITA) and the Council on Radionuclides and Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc. (CORAR) renewed their efforts to continue promoting H.R. 3772, the Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act of 2019.

• SNMMI Requests Regulatory Relief for Training for Imaging and Localization Studies

  Jun 11, 2020 — Today, SNMMI along with ASNC, ASTRO and ACR requested regulatory relief for Training for imaging and localization studies during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

• Nuclear Medicine and COVID-19: New Content from The Journal of Nuclear Medicine

  Jun 9, 2020 — Five new COVID-related articles and commentaries are published in the June issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM).

• This Month in JNM

  Jun 4, 2020 — In June JNM: A Conversation Between Johnese Spisso and Johannes Czernin … A Conversation Between Howard Soule and Johannes Czernin … COVID articles and commentaries … Guidance and best practices for nuclear cardiology laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic … Featured: 68Ga-DOTA-JR11 in NETs … Glucose transport in neuroendocrine prostate cancer … and more.

• SNMMI Statement on Racism in Healthcare

  Jun 2, 2020 — SNMMI stands in unity with the Council of Medicine Specialty Societies (CMSS) and the 800,000 physicians across 45 medical specialties that deplore the negative impact of racism in our nation and of racial inequities in our healthcare system

• USP Announces New Implementation Date for USP General Chapter <825>

  Jun 1, 2020 — The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) has updated the implementation date for General Chapter <825> Radiopharmaceuticals – Preparation, Compounding, Dispensing, and Repackaging to December 1, 2020.

• New Research Reveals Potentially Treatable Genetic Mutations in Patients Resistant to PSMA-Targeting Therapy

  May 20, 2020 — Prostate cancer patients who do not respond well to PSMA-targeted therapy often have potentially treatable mutations in their DNA damage-repair genes, according to research published in the May issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• Recent HHS Updates During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  May 19, 2020 — As we wait the enactment of a fourth stimulus package, SNMMI would like to inform its membership of the recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) administrative updates as a result of COVID-19.

• SNMMI Selects Two Henkin Fellows for 2020

  May 18, 2020 — Each year, the Robert E. Henkin Fellowship awards the opportunity for an early career professional to visit Washington, DC, and receive direct personal exposure to government relations activities of the SNMMI. SNMMI is pleased to announce that Domnique Newallo, MD, RT (R),(CT), and Justin Peacock, MD, PhD, have been selected as our 2020 Robert E. Henkin Government Relations Fellows.

• SNMMI Advocates for Access to Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals through COVID-19 and Beyond

  May 15, 2020 — This week SNMMI and its coalition partners sent a letter imploring Congress to take immediate action to ensure patient access to FDA-approved diagnostic radiopharmaceutical drugs that aid in the detection of cancer, cardiovascular conditions and neurological disorders.

• Molecular Imaging Provides Insight into Therapeutic Outcomes for Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients Days after Treatment

  May 13, 2020 — Nuclear medicine can identify early response to Lu-177 DOTATATE treatment in neuroendocrine tumor patients, according to a new study in the May issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• SNMMI Advocates for Frontline Healthcare Workers

  May 8, 2020 — SNMMI joined various other medical professional societies in advocating for all frontline members of the healthcare delivery system during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Novel Radiotracer Meets Gold Standard for Imaging Prostate Cancer, Offers Benefits over Established Imaging Agent

  May 8, 2020 — The novel radiopharmaceutical F-18-PSMA-1007 is effective for detecting malignant prostate cancer lesions and readily available, according to research published in the April issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• SNMMI and Peer Societies Issue Guide to Safe Reintroduction of Cardiovascular Services

  May 5, 2020 — Fifteen major cardiovascular societies in North America, including SNMMI, have come together to outline a systematic approach to reinstating diagnostic and therapeutic cardiovascular services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Technologists Answer Questions about COVID-19

  May 5, 2020 — The COVID-19 crisis has forced nuclear medicine departments to cancel appointments, change procedures and protocols and adapt rapidly to significant changes. To provide guidance to the community, SNMMI-TS interviewed eight nuclear medicine technologists from around the country.

• This Month in JNM

  May 3, 2020 — In May JNM: COVID-19 commentaries … New JNM Feature: The Standard of Care—From Nuclear Radiology to Nuclear Medicine … A Discussion Between Ignasi Carrió and Ken Herrmann … Novel tracers in immunotherapy … Genotype and PPGL imaging … Analyzing paraganglioma imaging … Featured: PSMA-TAT and mutated DNA repair genes … Imaging ?H2AX after Lu-177-DOTATATE … and more.

• Public Meeting to Discuss 10 CFR Part 37 Regulatory Relief Pathways for NRC Licensees

  May 1, 2020 — On Tuesday, May 5, at 1:00 p.m. EDT, the NRC will be holding a public meeting to discuss potential regulatory relief pathways for NRC 10 CFR Part 37 licensees during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

• Announcement: SNMMI Annual Meeting

  Apr 30, 2020 — SNMMI President Vasken Dilsizian, MD, shares an important message unveiling the re-imagined SNMMI 2020 Annual Meeting—Virtual Edition.

• Travel Considerations Specified for Lu-177-DOTATATE Radiation Therapy Patients

  Apr 24, 2020 — A team of researchers and patient advocates has addressed the challenges related to traveling after receiving Lu-177-DOTATATE radiation therapy in a study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• CARES ACT 2.0: HHS Gets Another Infusion of $100 Billion

  Apr 24, 2020 — $75 billion is allocated for reimbursement to hospitals and healthcare providers to support the need for COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue. The language remains the same as CARES Act. $25 billion is designated for necessary expenses to research, develop, validate, manufacture, purchase, administer, and expand capacity for COVID-19 tests.

• Navigating COVID-19 Challenges in the NMT Educational Community

  Apr 20, 2020 — During this time of uncertainty, nuclear medicine technologist students throughout the country are wondering how COVID-19 will affect their training and their future career path. Wanting to provide program directors with the most up-to-date information to pass along to their students, SNMMI coordinated with the ARRT, the NMTCB, and the JRCNMT to host a webinar on navigating through challenges related to COVID-19.

• SNMMI Receives Good News from KLM regarding Radioisotope Supply

  Apr 20, 2020 — Based on humanitarian needs and medical urgency, KLM has agreed to resume the transport of medical isotopes from Europe to the United States beginning April 27th.

• Congressman Greg Murphy, MD, Signs On to the Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act

  Apr 16, 2020 — Last week, SNMMI had the chance to sit down and talk with Congressman Greg Murphy, MD, a urologist representing North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional district. Congressman Murphy is the first physician to sign on to HR 3772, the Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act.

• Update: SNMMI Annual Meeting

  Apr 13, 2020 — SNMMI is receiving many inquiries about the status of the upcoming Annual Meeting, planned for June 13-16 in New Orleans. SNMMI leadership is watching very closely as the situation progresses—in New Orleans, in the United States and worldwide.

• SNMMI Expands Virtual Curriculum — Available to All Members at No Charge

  Apr 10, 2020 — As we reach the peak of the COVID crisis, many of us are pausing to catch our breath and look ahead to the “new normal” of our lives for the next few months. Education is a high priority, and SNMMI is here to support you with free, flexible access to SNMMI’s extensive virtual curriculum.

• The NMEu Meets to Discuss COVID-19 and the Global Supply of Mo-99

  Apr 8, 2020 — On Monday, April 6th the Nuclear Medicine Europe (NMEu’s) Security of Supply Working Group (SoS WG) Emergency Response Team (ERT) held a teleconference to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mo-99 and other radioisotope production.

• This Month in JNM

  Apr 6, 2020 — In April JNM:A discussion with John Sunderland … Patient travel concerns after Lu-177-DOTATATE … The academic NDA … AUC for biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer … Featured: F-18 versus Ga-68-PSMA imaging … and more.

• SNMMI Is Working For You: Creating New Resources to Meet Member Needs

  Apr 3, 2020 — To provide a platform where members can discuss challenges related to COVID-19, SNMMI has opened an online community on SNMMI Connect, for ALL members. This private, members-only forum will create a space where you can ask questions, share current challenges, and seek advice from the combined expertise of the entire SNMMI network.

• Global Nuclear Medicine Community Shares COVID-19 Strategies and Experiences

  Apr 1, 2020 — Clinics across five continents have shared their approaches to containing the spread of COVID-19 in a series of editorials, published ahead of print in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. This compilation of strategies, experiences and precautions is intended to support nuclear medicine clinics as they make decisions regarding patient care.

• Update from the NMEu: COVID-19 and the Global Supply of Mo-99 and Other Isotopes

  Mar 31, 2020 — On March 30, the Emergency Response Team (ERT) of Nuclear Medicine Europe (NMEu) sent an update on COVID-19 and the global supply of Mo-99 and other resources.

• SNMMI Announces COVID-19 Resource Center

  Mar 27, 2020 — As COVID-19 escalates all over the world, we all are facing serious new challenges. SNMMI has developed a COVID-19 Resource Center to consolidate information and resources for the nuclear medicine community.

• SNMMI Encourages Legislators To Ensure Accessibility to PPE

  Mar 26, 2020 — On Thursday, March 26, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging joined the American College of Radiology, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in calling for an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• High-Resolution PET/CT Imaging Assesses Brain Stem Function in Patients with Hearing Impairment

  Mar 24, 2020 — Novel, fully digital, high-resolution PET/CT imaging of small brain stem nuclei can provide clinicians with valuable information concerning the auditory pathway in patients with hearing impairment, according to a new study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• IAEA Offers Webinar on Challenges for Nuclear Medicine Departments

  Mar 24, 2020 — Join IAEA tomorrow — Wednesday, March 25, 2020 — at 15.30 (CET) for a free webinar on Challenges for Nuclear Medicine Departments.

• COVID-19 and Ventilation/Perfusion (V/Q) Lung Studies

  Mar 19, 2020 — As we all do our best to avoid the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to provide the best care for our patients, we would like to respond to concerns regarding ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) lung scans and the risk inherent in the V/Q scan for spread of COVID-19 to patients and staff alike.

• Mo-99 Supply Update

  Mar 16, 2020 — On Monday, March 16, SNMMI President Vasken Dilsizian, MD, released the following statement addressing how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the supply of Mo-99.

• SNMMI: Standing with You Against COVID-19

  Mar 16, 2020 — This is a challenging time for us all—clinicians, researchers and patients. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by COVID-19—those directly affected as well as their families and communities. We want to update you on the steps SNMMI is taking to continue providing the resources and services you need while also protecting the health and safety of volunteers and staff.

• SNMMI Announces Ones to Watch 2020 Selections

  Mar 6, 2020 — SNMMI is pleased to present our annual list of 30 early career professionals selected as “Ones to Watch” in 2020!

• *Latest Update:* SNMMI Identifies NCCI Edit Errors

  Mar 5, 2020 — SNMMI has confirmed that there are incorrect edits in the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) for several of the new and revised CPT codes that went into effect on January 1, 2020.

• NCCI Agrees with SNMMI's Proposed Changes to PTP Edits

  Mar 5, 2020 — Due to SNMMI's diligence, CMS' National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) confirmed that its proposed Procedure to Procedure (PTP) edits for several of the new and revised CPT codes (effective January 1, 2020) will be corrected.

• NCCI Agrees with SNMMI's Proposed Changes to Edits PTP Errors

  Mar 5, 2020 — Due to SNMMI's diligence, CMS' National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) confirmed that its proposed Procedure to Procedure (PTP) edits for several of the new and revised CPT codes (effective January 1, 2020) will be corrected.

• PET Imaging Offers New Insights into Post-Transplant Care for Heart Patients

  Mar 4, 2020 — Myocardial blood flow and myocardial flow reserve have been identified as accurate indicators for graft failure after cardiac transplantation, according to a new study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• This Month in JNM

  Mar 2, 2020 — In March JNM: A conversation between David Collingridge and Henryk Barthel … Appropriate Use Criteria for Nuclear Medicine in the Evaluation and Treatment of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer … Theranostics: leveraging molecular imaging and therapy to impact patient management and secure the future of nuclear medicine … FDG-PET may help predict outcome of cochlear implants … Total-body PET and highly stable chelators together enable meaningful Zr-89-antibody PET studies up to 30 days after injection … and more.

• Unconventional Radiopharmaceutical Shows Promise for Improved Detection of Neuroendocrine Tumors

  Feb 25, 2020 — A newly developed imaging agent has emerged as a promising aid for diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer, according to research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• SNMMI Co-hosts Workshop at FDA on Inspections Management and Regulatory Considerations

  Feb 24, 2020 — On Friday, SNMMI and the Food and Drug Administration, Medical Imaging Technology Alliance, and World Molecular Imaging Society hosted a workshop on "PET Drugs: A Workshop on Inspections Management and Regulatory Issues" at the FDA White Oak Conference Center in Silver Spring, MD.

• Congratulations Future Leaders of SNMMI

  Feb 19, 2020 — Congratulations to the SNMMI Future Leaders Academy and SNMMI-TS Leadership Academy graduates of 2020!

• SNMMI Hosts FDA Workshop

  Feb 18, 2020 — On Friday, February 21, SNMMI and the FDA will be hosting a workshop entitled "PET Drugs: A Workshop on Inspections Management and Regulatory Issues."

• Cuts to NIH Funding in Proposed FY 2021 Federal Budget

  Feb 12, 2020 — In the FY 2021 budget released by the White House on February 10, the president proposed a $3 billion cut (about 7%) to the budget of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

• This Month in JNM

  Feb 3, 2020 — In February JNM: PET after cardiac transplantation … Metal-ion labeled DOTATATE imaging … Hot Topic—FAP nuclear theranostics … State of the Art—Spatial-temporal ordering of amyloid … Special Contribution—177Lu-DOTATATE in NETS … and more!

• SNMMI Co-Hosts Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill: Diagnostic Imaging and Alzheimer’s

  Jan 30, 2020 — On Wednesday, January 29, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, the Council on Radionuclides and Radiopharmaceuticals (CORAR), and the Medical Imaging Technology Alliance (MITA) co-hosted a congressional briefing entitled: A New Hope: Advancements in Diagnostic Imaging and Alzheimer’s.

• New Therapy Option Identified for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

  Jan 29, 2020 — Radionuclide therapy has been successful in delaying the growth of disseminated tumor cells in early-stage breast cancer. Radium-233 dichloride not only impacts cells directly hit by radiation but also has significant effects on cells outside of the radiation field, according to research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• SNMMI President Vasken Dilsizian, MD, and Josh Mailman Speak at NRC Commissioners Meeting

  Jan 28, 2020 — SNMMI President Vasken Dilsizian, MD, and patient advocate Josh Mailman participated in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) Discussion of Medical Uses of Radioactive Materials at the NRC Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.

• PET/MRI Identifies Notable Breast Cancer Imaging Biomarkers to Support Screening and Risk-Reduction Strategies

  Jan 21, 2020 — Researchers have identified several potentially useful breast cancer biomarkers that indicate the presence and risk of malignancy, according to new research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• U.S. Department of Energy Delays Implementation of Ban on Export of Highly Enriched Uranium

  Jan 15, 2020 — The U.S Department of Energy has delayed the implementation of a ban on export of highly enriched uranium, helping to ensure adequate domestic supply of Tc-99m and preventing shortages that would negatively impact patients.

• SNMMI and SNMMI-TS Announce 2020 Leadership Academy Candidates

  Jan 10, 2020 — SNMMI is pleased to announce the selected candidates for both the SNMMI Future Leaders Academy and the SNMMI-TS Leadership Academy, taking place in conjunction with the SNMMI 2020 Mid-Winter Meeting.

• Marta Cremonesi, PhD, Selected as the 2020 Loevinger-Berman Award Recipient

  Jan 8, 2020 — The SNMMI Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) Committee has selected Marta Cremonesi, PhD, as the 2020 Loevinger-Berman Awardee, recognizing a lifetime of achievements and contributions to medical internal dosimetry.

• This Month in JNM

  Jan 2, 2020 — In January JNM: PET/MRI biomarkers in breast cancer … bystander effects of 223Ra … Mitochondria and synaptic PET biomarkers … The AQARA Principle … A discussion between Martin Pomper and Peter Choyke … PSMA-guided surgery … hybrid tracers and surgical guidance … and much more!

• SNMMI Leads Third Targeted Radionuclide Therapy (TRT) Conference

  Dec 19, 2019 — On December 16, 2019, the SNMMI and NCI co-hosted the Third Targeted Radionuclide Therapy Conference on the NCI Shady Grove campus. The theme of the meeting was What is the Goal of Radionuclide Therapies: Palliative, Curative, or Adjuvant Treatment?

• New Radiotracer Offers Opportunities for Earlier Intervention after Heart Attack

  Dec 18, 2019 — A new radiotracer can effectively image fibroblast activation after a heart attack, identifying a window of time during which cardiac fibrosis can be prevented and the disease course altered. The study is featured in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• Finding a Non-invasive Way to Predict Effectiveness of Cancer Therapy

  Dec 12, 2019 — Researchers have taken a critical step toward developing a non-invasive nuclear medicine technique that can predict the effectiveness of therapy for cancerous tumors, allowing for personalized, precision treatment. The study is featured in the December issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• Grants, Awards, Scholarships — Prepare Your Applications Now!

  Dec 10, 2019 — The following grants, awards, and scholarships are now open for applications — exclusively for SNMMI and SNMMI-TS members.

• This Month in JNMT

  Dec 4, 2019 — The December issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology is now available, including 3 CE articles, 10 scientific articles, 2 teaching case studies and a Practical Pointer. Check it out.

• This Month in JNM

  Dec 2, 2019 — In December JNM: A conversation with Stefano Buono … featured articles on imaging fibroblast activity after MI; Zr-89-mAb PET and target engagement; and Ga-68-pentixafor PET/CT in WM … Hot Topic - Theranostics in nuclear medicine education … State of the Art - Molecular imaging of reporter genes … and more.

• Novel Theranostic Reagent Could Enhance Detection and Therapy of Prostate Cancer

  Nov 26, 2019 — A novel nuclear medicine radiotracer could help identify the extent of metastatic prostate cancer and select patients for therapy. The study is featured in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• Good News for Members on CMS PET NCD

  Nov 15, 2019 — After reviewing the NCDs for PET for Myocardial Perfusion and PET for Myocardial Viability, CMS clarified that PET quantitative myocardial blood flow is coverable under these NCDs.

• New Technique Could Optimize PSMA-Targeted Prostate Cancer Therapy

  Nov 13, 2019 — Researchers have discovered a new way to optimize results in treating patients with prostate cancer tumors while minimizing negative side effects. The study is featured in the November issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• Good News for Nuclear Medicine in CMS Final 2020 MPFS and HOPPS Rules

  Nov 4, 2019 — On November 1, CMS issued its final rules for HOPPS and MPFS. Thanks to the joint efforts of SNMMI, partner societies, and members, we have great news about nuclear medicine reimbursement for the coming year. Find out more.

• This Month in JNM

  Nov 2, 2019 — In November JNM: A conversation with Uwe Haberkorn … featured articles on Zr-89–anti-STEAP1 PET imaging; F-18-PSMA-1007 uptake with different MA … Hot Topic - I-131 therapy and cancer mortality … State of the Art - VISION and the future of theranostics … and more.

• 2020 Ones to Watch Nominations

  Nov 1, 2019 — SNMMI is now accepting nominations for our 2020 Ones to Watch selections. We need your help in identifying and recognizing “ones to watch” in the coming years, as they work to shape the future of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. Members can nominate themselves or someone they know—currently in training or who have completed their training within the last 5 years—whose actions, work, or studies have set them apart as a future thought leader in the field.

• SNMMI Represents Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging During National Event

  Oct 31, 2019 — SNMMI participated in Nuclear Science Week, educating congressional staff on the value of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging and receiving the Global Impact Award.

• Therapy for Neuroendocrine Tumors May Be Improved by Patient-Specific Dosimetry

  Oct 28, 2019 — In neuroendocrine tumor treatment, different methods of predicting patient response may be required for different patients. By tailoring the method to the specific patient, physicians may better predict the effectiveness of treatment, according to new research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• SNMMI Hosts Successful Capitol Hill Day, Winning New Congressional Interest

  Oct 24, 2019 — On Tuesday, October 22, SNMMI hosted a Capitol Hill Day. Members from all across the country came to Washington, D.C., to advocate for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

• Optoacoustic Imaging Shows Potential for Noninvasive Diagnostics for Thyroid Disorders

  Oct 22, 2019 — A new noninvasive imaging technique can provide novel biomarker information for initial evaluation and differential diagnosis of thyroid disorders.

• Central Chapter Provides Outreach Education

  Oct 15, 2019 — On September 25-26, SNMMI’s Outreach Domain supported the Central Chapter in an initiative to share the value of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging with prostate cancer patients as well as with urologists and oncologists.

• CTN Webinars – Free to SNMMI Members!

  Oct 10, 2019 — SNMMI’s Clinical Trials Network’s webinar series, “The Review of Radiopharmaceuticals,” is developed specifically for technologists. Free to SNMMI members, each 1-hour webinar provides an updates on radiopharmaceuticals used for a specific indication, in the clinical setting and in research.

• Members: Thank You for Your Efforts to Protect Cardiac PET

  Oct 2, 2019 — Thank you to all the SNMMI members who sent messages to Congress and comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services about its proposal to reduce reimbursement by up to 80 percent for myocardial PET in the office setting.

• This Month in JNM

  Oct 1, 2019 — In October JNM: A conversation between Elisabeth de Vries and Johannes Czernin … featured articles: Image-based bone marrow dosimetry; FAP ligands with improved tumor retention; Optoacoustic thyroid imaging … State of the Art PET/MRI … Hot Topic—AI in molecular imaging/nuclear medicine … Continuing Education—Multimodality Imaging of Prostate Cancer … and more.

• PET Offers More Precise Screening Method to Select Candidates for Radionuclide Therapy

  Sep 24, 2019 — PET scanning can offer more precise selection of patients for neuroendocrine tumor therapy, allowing some patients to qualify who would otherwise have been ineligible, according to an article featured in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• Joint Society Call to Action: Congressional Sign On Letter to CMS Addresses Proposed PET Cuts, Patient Impacts

  Sep 23, 2019 — As we continue our many efforts to address the cuts proposed in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, we need your help! Most recently, the ACC, ASNC, CAA, SNMMI and ACNM have secured a Congressional sign-on letter to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by Reps. Mike Kelly, (R-PA), Ron Estes (R-KS), and Ron Kind, (D-WI). As members, we urge you to write, call, or email your representatives and senators and ask them to sign the letter and voice concerns with CMS directly.

• Nuclear Medicine Technologist Licensure Legislation Introduced in Pennsylvania

  Sep 19, 2019 — On September 6, 2019 House Bill 1811 was introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

• SNMMI Call to Action: Submit Your Comments on Medicare Proposed Rules

  Sep 18, 2019 — The society—along with the American College of Nuclear Medicine—have already submitted comments alerting CMS to the impact of these proposals. We need your help in submitting comments as well. CMS needs to hear how these proposals impact your profession and patient care.

• This Month in JNMT

  Sep 17, 2019 — The September issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology is now available, including 4 CE articles, 7 scientific articles, 2 brief communications, and a Practical Pointer. Check it out.

• Fault at ANSTO Temporarily Stops Production of Mo-99

  Sep 13, 2019 — On September 12, ANSTO communicated that it stopped production of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) due to detection of a fault in a valve.

• SNMMI Comments on 2020 Proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

  Sep 9, 2019 — SNMMI and the American College of Nuclear Medicine recently responded to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' 2020 Proposed Physician Fee Schedule.

• SNMMI Sends CMS Comments on Proposed 2020 Hospital Outpatient Payment Regulation

  Sep 9, 2019 — SNMMI has submitted a comment letter to CMS on the proposed rule for the 2020 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System, recommending improvements in the way that CMS pays hospital outpatient departments for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging procedures.

• Celebrating Women in Medicine Month

  Sep 5, 2019 — September 5 is Women in Medicine Day and SNMMI is excited to join the American Medical Association (AMA) in celebrating Women in Medicine Month throughout September! We will be honoring this year’s theme, “Women in Medicine: Trailblazers, Advocates, Leaders,” all month long, recognizing the achievements, contributions, and trailblazing efforts of women in our nuclear medicine and molecular imaging community.

• This Month in JNM

  Sep 3, 2019 — In September JNM: A conversation between Joanna Fowler and Johannes Czernin … featured articles: [111]In-pentetreotide vs. [68]Ga-DOTATATE; MSLN-TTC and DDR inhibitors … State of the Art—Solid-state detector SPECT MPI … Hot Topic—Training requirements for theranostics … Continuing Education—Vascular calcification … and more.

• Fall Education Preview

  Aug 28, 2019 — We know you're busy. That's why you need on-demand access to industry news, research, and education available at your fingertips. SNMMI offers a wide variety of programs that provide relevant and timely educational content for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging professionals at every stage in their career. See the SNMMI Education Fall Preview below and register now for the professional development events best suited to your needs.

• A Patient Perspective: Diagnosis and Survival of Cancer

  Aug 26, 2019 — SNMMI TV had the privilege of interviewing Dorothy McGrath, survivor of Stage IV colon cancer and a member of the SNMMI Patient Advocacy Advisory Board.

• Spotlight on SNMMI Outreach (Because Not All Heroes Wear Capes)

  Aug 19, 2019 — Because nuclear medicine’s work is largely done behind the scenes — resembling mild-mannered Clark Kent more than flashy Superman — it often suffers from a lack of understanding and appreciation among lawmakers, patients, the general public, and even the wider medical community. SNMMI’s Outreach Domain, through the efforts of the Outreach Committee and its working groups, is helping to change that.

• SNMMI Outreach: Roadshow Recap

  Aug 8, 2019 — SNMMI’s Outreach Domain held a Dinner Symposium on “Incorporating New Approaches for Diagnosis and Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors,” July 30 in Houston, Texas, as part of our SNMMI Outreach Roadshow series.

• SNMMI-TS Leadership Academy Applications Due September 15

  Aug 7, 2019 — Application deadlines are approaching for the SNMMI-TS Leadership Academy — a unique opportunity to increase leadership skills and opportunities through a 2-day course, fully funded by the Technologist Section.

• Future Leaders Academy Applications Due September 15

  Aug 6, 2019 — Develop the skills you need to become a leader both in the nuclear medicine and molecular imaging community and in the SNMMI. The 2020 Future Leaders Academy will teach fundamental leadership techniques from professionally recognized leadership groups and current SNMMI leaders.

• This Month in JNM

  Aug 1, 2019 — In August JNM: A conversation between Hedvig Hricak and Johannes Czernin … featured articles: 11b-HSD1–targeted brain imaging; MC1R-targeted alpha-particle therapy; M1 mAChR PET imaging in NHPs … State of the Art—development of dedicated brain PET imaging devices … Hot Topic—artificial intelligence in nuclear cardiology … Special Contribution—standardized metabolic tumor volume measurement … and more.

• Theranostics: Regulatory Considerations for Product Development

  Jul 29, 2019 — In this highly attended session at the SNMMI 2019 Annual Meeting, speakers examined clinical, nonclinical and CMC information needed for theranostics product development.

• WATCH: SNMMI Members Talk Nuclear Medicine at Congressional Policy Briefing on Capitol Hill

  Jul 24, 2019 — On July 17, SNMMI, with MITA and CORAR, co-hosted a congressional policy briefing to discuss precision medicine and the importance of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.

• Bipartisan Group Moves to Expand Access to Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals

  Jul 17, 2019 — On July 16, a bipartisan group introduced the Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act of 2019 (HR 3772). The bill would expand patient access to highly targeted, precision diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals that evaluate conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and some cancers—allowing patients to get the right treatment faster and saving taxpayers money.

• This Month in JNM

  Jul 1, 2019 — In July JNM: A discussion between Susanne Schaffert and Ken Herrmann … featured articles: immuno-PET imaging of solid tumors; a first-in-human phase I study of CTT1057 in prostate cancer … State of the Art—theranostics in neuroendocrine neoplasms … Hot Topic—imaging of CAR T-cells in cancer patients … Special Contribution—procedure standard for somatostatin receptor-based PRRT with 177Lu-DOTATATE … Continuing Education—advanced imaging in cardiac sarcoidosis … and more.

• Influence of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Jumps 25 Percent

  Jun 27, 2019 — The Journal of Nuclear Medicine again ranks among the top five medical imaging journals in the world. JNM continues to lead among nuclear medicine journals, with the highest impact factor (7.354), the highest immediacy index, the highest number of citations, the highest 5-year impact factor, the highest number of citable articles, and the highest influence score.

• Molecular Imaging Suggests Smokers May Have Impaired Neuroimmune Function

  Jun 25, 2019 — Research presented at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNM MI) shows preliminary evidence that tobacco smokers may have reduced neuroimmune function compared with nonsmokers.

• Ultrasmall Nanoclusters and Carbon Quantum Dots Show Promise for Treating Acute Kidney Injury

  Jun 25, 2019 — Two research studies offer hope for effective treatment and prevention on acute kidney injury.

• New Combination Therapy Established as Safe and Effective for Prostate Cancer

  Jun 25, 2019 — A novel therapy using two targeted treatments for prostate cancer has been shown to maximize efficacy while reducing side effects.

• SNMMI Image of the Year: Novel Radiotracer Detects 28 Cancer Types, Paving the Way for Development of New Therapies

  Jun 25, 2019 — Each year, the SNMMI chooses an image that best exemplifies the most promising advances in the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. This year the honor goes to a team of researchers at University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany. Showcasing the efficacy of the FAPI radiotracer, the image demonstrates the uptake of the FAPI in 12 epidemiological tumor entities, including high uptake values in lung, breast, prostate, esophageal and pancreatic cancer.

• Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Announces 2019 Fellows

  Jun 25, 2019 — The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging recognized 13 new SNMMI Fellows on Monday, June 24, during the Monday plenary session at the society’s 2019 Annual Meeting, held June 22-25 in Anaheim, California.

• Radionuclide Therapy Effective in High-Grade Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

  Jun 25, 2019 — Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has been shown to be safe and effective for patients with grade 3 (G3) neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), according to research presented at SNMMI's 2019 Annual Meeting.

• SNMMI Elects Richard L. Wahl, MD, as Vice President-Elect During 2019 Annual Meeting

  Jun 24, 2019 — Richard L. Wahl, MD, has been elected as 2019-20 vice president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI). Wahl is the Elizabeth E. Mallinckrodt Professor and head of radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, director of the university’s Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology and a professor of radiation oncology.

• SNMMI Announces Mark H. Crosthwaite, MEd, CNMT, PET, NMTCB(S), FSNMMI-TS, as President of Technologist Section During 2019 Annual Meeting

  Jun 24, 2019 — Mark H. Crosthwaite, MEd, CNMT, PET, NMTCB(S), FSNMMI-TS, associate professor and program director of the baccalaureate nuclear medicine technology program, Department of Radiation Sciences, at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, has been named 2019-2020 president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS).

• SNMMI Elects Vasken Dilsizian, MD, as President During 2019 Annual Meeting

  Jun 24, 2019 — Vasken Dilsizian, MD, professor of radiology and medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and chief of the Division of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, has assumed office as 2019-20 president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).

• SNMMI Elects Alan B. Packard, PhD, as President-Elect During 2019 Annual Meeting

  Jun 24, 2019 — Alan Packard, PhD, has been elected as 2019-20 president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI). Packard is associate professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School, director of radiopharmaceutical research and a senior research associate in nuclear medicine at Boston Children's Hospital, and research associate in nuclear medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

• Wearable Technology to Personalize Lu-177-DOTATATE Therapy for NETs

  Jun 24, 2019 — Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, are developing a user-friendly (worn at home) vest with technology that collects data to tailor personalized therapy for patients with metastatic, somatostatin-receptor-2 positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

• Nuclear Medicine PSMA-Targeted Study Offers New Options for Cancer Theranostics Worldwide

  Jun 24, 2019 — Research presented at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) describes a new class of radiopharmaceuticals—radiohybrids—that offer a fresh perspective on cancer imaging and radioligand therapy (theranostics). In addition, the technology encompasses a highly innovative and efficient isotopic labeling method to facilitate broad application.

• SNMMI Announces Tina M. Buehner, MS, CNMT, NMTCB(CT)(RS), RT(N)(CT), FSNMMI-TS, as President-Elect of Technologist Section During 2019 Annual Meeting

  Jun 24, 2019 — Tina M. Buehner, MS, CNMT, NMTCB(CT)(RS), RT(N)(CT), FSNMMI-TS, has been named 2019-2020 president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS). Buehner is a health physicist specialist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

• Earlier Diagnosis and Treatment Assessment of Tuberculosis Achieved with PET/CT

  Jun 24, 2019 — Research presented at SNMMI's 2019 Annual Meeting shows that molecular imaging with 18F-FDG PET/CT can evaluate tuberculosis at the molecular level, effectively identifying diseased areas and guiding treatment for patients.

• Marcelo F. Di Carli, MD, Receives the SNMMI 2019 Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award

  Jun 23, 2019 — Marcelo F. Di Carli, MD, was presented the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award for his contributions to nuclear medicine at the SNMMI 2019 Annual Meeting, in Anaheim, California.

• Jason S. Lewis, PhD, Receives SNMMI 2019 Paul C. Aebersold Award for Outstanding Achievement in Basic Nuclear Medicine Science

  Jun 23, 2019 — Jason S. Lewis, PhD, was presented the prestigious Paul C. Aebersold Award during the SNMMI 2019 Annual Meeting, June 22-25 in Anaheim, California.

• Interim Scan during Prostate Cancer Therapy Helps Guide Treatment

  Jun 23, 2019 — New prostate cancer research shows that adding an interim scan during therapy can help guide a patient’s treatment. The research was presented at the SNMMI 2019 Annual Meeting.

• PET/CT Detects Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

  Jun 23, 2019 — Research presented at SNMMI’s 2019 Annual Meeting draws a strong link between severe obstructive sleep apnea and impaired coronary flow reserve, which is an early sign of the heart disease atherosclerosis.

• Novel Noninvasive Molecular Imaging for Monitoring Rheumatoid Arthritis

  Jun 23, 2019 — A first-in-human Phase 1/Phase II study demonstrates that intravenous administration of the radiopharmaceutical imaging agent technetium-99m (99mTc) tilmanocept promises to be a safe, well-tolerated, noninvasive means of monitoring rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. The study was presented at the SNMMI 2019 Annual Meeting.

• Early Biomarker Found for Degenerative Neurologic Disease

  Jun 22, 2019 — Researchers have discovered a novel radioligand that can effectively differentiate progressive supranuclear palsy from similar brain disorders, allowing for earlier and more reliable diagnosis of the disease.

• Immuno-PET Precisely Diagnoses IBD Inflammation without Invasive Procedures

  Jun 17, 2019 — Inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease can be quickly and precisely diagnosed using a new type of nuclear medicine scan. In addition, immuno-PET has high potential for theranostic diagnosis and precision treatment of IBD and other inflammatory diseases. The research is featured in the June issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• New Radiotracer Can Identify Nearly 30 Types of Cancer

  Jun 7, 2019 — A novel class of radiopharmaceuticals has proven effective in non-invasively identifying nearly 30 types of malignant tumors. Using 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT, researchers were able to image the tumors with very high uptake and image contrast, paving the way for new applications in tumor characterization, staging and therapy. The research is featured in the June issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• USP Publishes General Chapter <825> Effective December 1, 2019

  Jun 5, 2019 — On June 1, the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) published General Chapter <825> Radiopharmaceuticals – Preparation, Compounding, Dispensing, and Repackaging. This General Chapter provides uniform minimum standards for the preparation, compounding, dispensing, and repackaging of sterile and non-sterile radiopharmaceuticals for humans and animals that occur as part of state-licensed activities.

• This Month in JNM

  Jun 3, 2019 — In June JNM: A discussion with Nora Volkow … featured articles: 68Ga-FAPI uptake in 28 different kinds of cancer; innate immuno-PET in colitis … State of the Art—overview of advances in management of gastroenteropancreatic NETs … Hot Topic: connections between neuroinflammation/long-term brain function and ischemic injury to the heart … special contribution: pathways for successful translation of new imaging agents and modalities—phase III studies … and more.

• Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosis Improved by Deep Learning Analysis of SPECT MPI

  May 27, 2019 — A multicenter international study has demonstrated that diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease can be improved through deep learning analysis of SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging. The research is featured in the May issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• This Month in JNM

  May 1, 2019 — The May 2019 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available, including Discussions with Leaders—A conversation between Marcus Schwaiger and Johannes Czernin … State of the Art—Novel structured reporting systems for theranostic radiotracers … Featured articles: Deep learning analysis of MPI D-SPECT; 89Zr-BVDFO PET for glioblastoma multiforme treatment … Special contribution: Use of a qualification phantom for PET brain imaging in a multicenter consortium … and more.

• SNMMI Member Hosts Policymakers at Georgetown Hospital

  Apr 30, 2019 — On Thursday April 25th, distinguished SNMMI member Giuseppe Esposito, MD, alongside staff from SNMMI, and MITA hosted congressional staffers at Georgetown Hospital in Washington, DC.

• Nuclear Medicine Therapy Shows Long-Term Effectiveness for Malignant Neuroendocrine Tumors

  Apr 26, 2019 — A 12-year retrospective clinical study of patients who received peptide receptor radionuclide therapy for malignant neuroendocrine tumors demonstrates the long-term effectiveness of this treatment, which also allows patients to maintain a high quality of life. The study is featured in the April issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• SNMMI and ACR Collaborate on Clinical Data Registry for Nuclear Medicine

  Apr 8, 2019 — SNMMI and the American College of Radiology announce a new collaborative clinical data registry to support high-quality practice and patient care. The registry will allow collection and analysis of data on nuclear medicine procedures, supporting continuous improvement of patient care.

• SNMMI/ASNC Alert: Important Drug Safety Information for Rubidium 82 Generators

  Apr 4, 2019 — Recently, there has been a report of high-level radiation exposure with use of incorrect eluent in Rubidium 82 Rb82 generators after a failure to follow the eluate testing protocol. ASNC and SNMMI members are reminded to use only additive-free, 0.9 % Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (normal saline) to elute the Rubidium 82 Rb82 generator.

• New PET Imaging Biomarker Could Better Predict Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease

  Apr 4, 2019 — Researchers have discovered a way to better predict progression of Alzheimer’s disease. A study utilizing positron emission tomography to image microglial activation levels showed that these levels could predict current and future cognitive performance better than beta-amyloid levels. The research is published in the April issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• This Month in JNM

  Apr 1, 2019 — The April 2019 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available, including a discussion with Michael Phelps, a State of the Art column on precision cardio-oncology, a special contribution on tumor glucose metabolism, results of an international survey on clinical reporting of PET/CT examinations, and featured articles on a new PET biomarker for predicting progression of Alzheimer’s, a 12-year retrospective follow-up on PRRT for NETs, and substrate anti-cancer drug delivery

• First Total-Body PET/CT Studies Show Potential for Better, Faster, Lower-Dose Images

  Mar 29, 2019 — The first human case studies from the first total-body PET/CT scanner show enhanced image quality, reduced scan time, a longer time window to perform the scan, reduced dose and total-body dynamic imaging, among other benefits and possibilities. The research is published in the March issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• SNMMI Members Host Congressman Loebsack at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

  Mar 18, 2019 — Congressman Loebsack and staff visited the PET and nuclear medicine facilities at the University of Iowa.

• Ones to Watch – Early Career Professionals Making a Difference in 2019

  Mar 18, 2019 — We are proud to present this selection of 30 rising stars in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. With help from the Committee on Councils and Centers and the SNMMI-TS Professional Development Task Force, SNMMI has identified these young professionals as “Ones to Watch” in 2019. The future looks bright!

• New Tracers Improve Diagnosis of Cancer and May Be Useful for Treatment

  Mar 11, 2019 — Researchers have identified two new nuclear medicine tracers that make it easier to diagnose and potentially treat multiple types of cancer, providing high-quality images with less patient preparation and shorter acquisition times.

• Nuclear Medicine Imaging Monitors Effectiveness of Therapy for Melanoma Patients

  Mar 5, 2019 — Nuclear medicine imaging with PET/CT can monitor the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatment for metastatic melanoma and predict outcome. In this way, a patient’s therapy can be more effectively tailored to his or her personal response.

• FDA Updates Bulk Drug Substances List with Amino Acid Solutions

  Mar 4, 2019 — On March 1, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced updates to the categories of bulk drug substances under its interim policy under section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. SNMMI commends the FDA for their swift action to update the 503B Bulk Drugs list, which will ultimately make it easier for manufacturers to compound and make available an arginine/lysine only solution.

• This Month in JNM

  Mar 1, 2019 — The March 2019 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Discussions with Leaders: A Conversation between Simon Cherry and Johannes Czernin. State of the Art: First Human Imaging Studies with the EXPLORER Total-Body PET Scanner. Featured: ipilimumab response using imPERCIST5; 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT; PET and EGFR-targeted therapy ... and more.

• SNMMI TV Returns to the 2019 Annual Meeting

  Feb 28, 2019 — SNMMI TV programs will air on each day of the SNMMI Annual Meeting, featuring interviews with key leaders and researchers, session coverage, and in-depth reports on featured institutions.

• Novel PET/CT Imaging Agent Shows Promise for Safe and Effective Diagnosis of Acute Venous Thromboembolism

  Feb 15, 2019 — Researchers report that a new nuclear medicine tracer may allow better diagnosis of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). Acute VTE is a disease that includes deep-vein thrombosis and its complication, pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. The research is featured in the February issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• PET Imaging Agent May Allow Early Measurement of Efficacy of Breast Cancer Therapy

  Feb 11, 2019 — Physicians may soon have a new way to measure the efficacy of hormone therapy for breast cancer patients, according to research published in the February issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• This Month in JNM

  Feb 1, 2019 — The February 2019 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Discussions with Leaders: A Conversation between Steven Larson and Johannes Czernin. Hot Topic: Entering the Era of Molecularly Targeted Precision Surgery in Recurrent Prostate Cancer. Featured: 18F-GP1 PET for thromboembolism; 18F-FFNP uptake with estradiol challenge in breast cancer ... and more.

• SNMMI-ACNM Submit Comments to NRC on Training and Experience Requirements

  Jan 30, 2019 — SNMMI together with representatives from ACNM provided feedback to the NRC on the training and experience requirements for those who wish to be authorized users of unsealed byproduct material.

• Combined SPECT and Cardiac MR Imaging Can Help Guide Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation

  Jan 30, 2019 — Adding functional imaging to structural imaging of patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) has the potential to improve current VT ablation strategies, according to new research published in the January 2019 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• SNMMI and SNMMI-TS Announce 2019 Leadership Academy Graduates

  Jan 22, 2019 — During SNMMI’s Mid-Winter Meeting in Palm Springs,California, both SNMMI and SNMMI-TS held leadership academies. These academies are building a cadre of physicians, scientists and technologists with strong leadership abilities who are taking on active roles in the society at the chapter and national levels, as well as within the nuclear medicine and molecular imaging community. Congratulations to all the new graduates!

• New PET Probe Could Improve Detection of Primary and Metastatic Melanoma

  Jan 16, 2019 — A new nuclear medicine method for detecting malignant melanoma, one of the most aggressive skin cancers, has been successfully tested for the first time in humans and could improve detection of both primary and metastatic melanoma. The research is featured in the January 2019 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• This Month in JNM

  Jan 2, 2019 — The January 2019 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Read about VT substrate characteristics,18F-flortanidazole PET in treated NSCLC, 18F-P3BZA PET/CT in melanoma, and more. Also, check out the second in the "Discussions with Leaders" series: a conversation with Richard Wahl.

• Whole Body PET/MRI Provides One-Stop-Shop for Staging of High-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients

  Dec 11, 2018 — New research shows that molecular imaging—specifically, PSMA PET/MR—performs as well as currently used tools and provides additional information on tumor location that could help guide treatment for prostate cancer patients.

• SNMMI Submits Comments to USP on General Chapter <825>

  Dec 6, 2018 — SNMMI submitted comments on USP General Chapter <825> on Friday, November 30th.

• New PET Tracer Identified for Imaging Tau in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients

  Dec 5, 2018 — Researchers have identified a promising second-generation positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for imaging and measuring tau pathology, contributing to understanding of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

• This Month in JNM

  Dec 3, 2018 — The December 2018 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Read about three novel tau radiopharmaceuticals for imaging patients with amyloid-positive Alzheimer disease, whole-body 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MR, immuno-PET after BACE-1 inhibition, and more. Also, check out the first in a new series of articles: "Discussions with Leaders."

• Mo-99 Supply Issues Close to Resolution

  Nov 27, 2018 — The supply of Mo-99 has now improved, and the acute shortage has abated. Read the full story for details.

• SNMMI Addresses Mo-99 Isotope Shortage

  Nov 19, 2018 — SNMMI, along with several other organizations, signed a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy and the Office of Management and Budget in regards to Mo-99 shortages.

• SNMMI Leads Stakeholder Discussions at Theranostics Consensus Conference 2018

  Nov 13, 2018 — SNMMI and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) held the Theranostics Consensus Conference 2018 on November 8-9, sponsored by Progenics Pharmaceuticals.

• SNMMI Welcomes Cardinal Health to Value Initiative Leadership

  Nov 12, 2018 — SNMMI is pleased to announce that Cardinal Health has joined the SNMMI’s Value Initiative Industry Alliance.

• Prostate Cancer Radiotherapy More Precisely Targeted with Nuclear Medicine Imaging

  Nov 8, 2018 — A nuclear medicine imaging procedure can pinpoint prostate cancer with superior accuracy, allowing more precisely targeted treatment, according to new research featured in the November 2018 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• SNMMI Advocacy Post-Election

  Nov 7, 2018 — A brief summary of yesterday's election results, including milestones achieved, new faces, and how you can get involved.

• ALERT: Significant Shortages of Mo-99 Expected in November

  Nov 6, 2018 — A significant shortage of Mo-99 is expected for the first half of November. Users should contact their generator/nuclear pharmacy providers for advice about their local situation.

• NRC Seeks Public Input on Training and Experience Requirements

  Nov 6, 2018 — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be holding public meetings to obtain input on training and experience requirements.

• Novel Tracer Developed for Precision Targeting of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

  Nov 5, 2018 — New research shows PET imaging with the 18F-FAC radiotracer can be used as a non-invasive substitute for liver biopsies. The study is featured in the October issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• CMS Issues Final 2019 Payment Rules

  Nov 2, 2018 — CMS has released the Physician Fee Schedule and Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rules.

• This Month in JNM

  Nov 1, 2018 — The November 2018 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Read about c-Met-targeted imaging of non-small cell lung cancer, Ga-68-PSMA-11 PET/CT for radiation treatment planning, the current state of radiopharmaceutical therapy, and more.

• Brookhaven Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of Tc-99m

  Oct 30, 2018 — Technetium-99m is responsible for 80 percent of the nuclear medical imaging procedures performed in the world. This year marks its 60th anniversary, and Brookhaven National Laboratories is celebrating.

• Deadlines Coming Soon for Grants, Awards, Scholarships, Fellowships

  Oct 23, 2018 — Deadlines are coming up this week and next for important awards, grants, scholarships and fellowships—apply or nominate ASAP.

• New Study Evaluates Efficacy of PET Imaging to Manage Chronic Liver Diseases

  Oct 4, 2018 — New research shows PET imaging with the 18F-FAC radiotracer can be used as a non-invasive substitute for liver biopsies. The study is featured in the October issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• SNMMI Expresses Support of H.R. 6948: The Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act of 2018

  Oct 4, 2018 — The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging commend Congressmen George Holding (NC-2) and Seth Moulton (MA-6) for introducing H.R. 6948.

• New Nuclear Medicine Tracer Will Help Study the Aging Brain

  Oct 3, 2018 — A new PET imaging radiotracer could help researchers understand neurodegenerative disease and the aging brain.

• This Month in JNM

  Oct 1, 2018 — The October 2018 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Read about PET imaging for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, imaging liver lymphocytes and more!

• Register today! USP to Host Open Mic Session on <825> Radiopharmaceuticals

  Sep 26, 2018 — USP is hosting an open microphone session Wednesday, October 10th, 2018 to discuss the Proposed General Chapter <825> on radiopharmaceuticals. Registration is currently open and there is no cost to participate.

• SNMMI Comments on 2019 Proposed Hospital Outpatient Rule

  Sep 25, 2018 — SNMMI raises concerns about radiopharmaceuticals being removed from pass-through status for 2019 and other matters.

• BlueCross BlueShield TN Expands Coverage for Cardiac PET

  Sep 24, 2018 — BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee has expanded Medicare coverage for Cardiac PET.

• SNMMI 2018-2020 Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship Recipients Announced

  Sep 20, 2018 — The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018-2020 SNMMI Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship.

• Availability of Mo-99

  Sep 11, 2018 — Nuclear reactors in both South Africa and Australia are off-line for unscheduled reasons. Efforts are being made to reduce the impact on patients.

• SNMMI Supports Proposed Coverage Expansion for Cardiac PET

  Sep 10, 2018 — SNMMI backed a proposal to expand coverage of Cardiac PET in Tennessee and suggested that the expansion go further.

• SNMMI Supports Proposed Medicare 2019 Payment Rule for Physicians

  Sep 10, 2018 — SNMMI backed CMS's plan not to reduce payments for two nuclear medicine procedures.

• Researchers Identify Pitfall in Popular Prostate Cancer PET Imaging Method

  Sep 7, 2018 — Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has become a popular method for determining the stage of a patient’s prostate cancer. However, researchers have identified a major pitfall in this imaging technique and are cautioning medical professionals to be aware of the potential for misdiagnosis.

• New Nuclear Medicine Imaging Method Shows Strong Potential for Cancer Imaging

  Sep 5, 2018 — A new nuclear medicine imaging method could help diagnose widespread tumors, such as breast, colon, pancreas, lung and head and neck cancer better than current methods, with less inconvenience to patients and with equal or improved accuracy.

• This Month in JNM

  Sep 4, 2018 — The September 2018 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Read about PSMA ligand uptake in ganglia, imaging of activated fibroblasts and more!

• Upcoming Webinar on Helpful Tips for JNMT Reviewers

  Aug 29, 2018 — SNMMI is hosting a technologist webinar on the topic of tips and guidelines for reviewers of JNMT

• Aetna Expands Coverage for Gallium-68 DOTATATE

  Aug 16, 2018 — Aetna has changed its policy to expand coverage for Gallium-68 DOTATATE.

• Fall Grant, Award and Scholarship Applications Opening Soon

  Aug 16, 2018 — The Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging is committed to advancing molecular imaging and therapy by supporting the next generation of researchers.

• SNMMI Seeks Comments on BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee's Proposed Changes to PET Coverage

  Aug 15, 2018 — A new BlueCross Blueshield draft coverage policy was released that includes changes to PET oncologic applications.

• SNMMI Radiation Dose Tool Updated to Include RADAR Dosimetry Table

  Aug 15, 2018 — The Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Dose Optimization Task Force has updated the SNMMI Radiation Dose Tool to include a second dosimetry table option.

• SNMMI Honors Outstanding Contributors at 2018 Annual Meeting

  Aug 13, 2018 — The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), an international scientific and medical organization, recognized contributions to the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging during its 2018 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. Several awards ceremonies were held to recognize the valuable role SNMMI members play in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, cancer and neurological conditions.

• SNMMI Encourages FDA to Alleviate Shortage of Gallium-68

  Aug 13, 2018 — SNMMI outlines the shortage of Gallium-68, its causes and suggests ways the FDA could help.

• USP Opens Call for Volunteers to Serve on Expert Committees

  Aug 6, 2018 — The United States Pharmacopeia is in need of qualified volunteers in the areas of chemical medicines, compounding, and other radiopharmaceutical-related fields.

• PET Tracer Identifies Estrogen Receptor Expression Differences in Breast Cancer Patients

  Aug 6, 2018 — In metastatic breast cancer, prognosis and treatment is largely influenced by estrogen receptor (ER) expression of the metastases. However, little is known about ER expression across metastases throughout the body and surrounding normal tissue. Using a PET tracer, researchers in the Netherlands have been able to identify differences in ER expression, which could help guide treatment for metastatic breast cancer patients. The study is featured in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine’s August issue.

• This Month in JNM

  Aug 2, 2018 — The August 2018 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Read about a PET imaging method to track and guide therapies for type 1 diabetes, 18F-FES PET to assess heterogeneity of estrogen receptor expression in breast cancer patients, a theranostic approach for small-volume ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis, and more!

• Novel PET Imaging Method Could Track and Guide Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes

  Aug 2, 2018 — Researchers have discovered a new nuclear medicine test that could improve care of patients with type 1 diabetes. The new PET imaging method could measure beta-cell mass, which would greatly enhance the ability to monitor and guide diabetes therapies. This study is reported in the featured article of the month in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine’s August issue.

• SNMMI Technologist Section Announces 2018 Award Winners

  Jul 30, 2018 — SNMMI’s Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS) recognized contributions to and work in the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging during the SNMMI 2018 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. Several awards ceremonies were held to recognize the valuable role that SNMMI-TS members play in advancing the discipline of nuclear medicine technology.

• USP Releases Chapter 825 on Radiopharmaceuticals

  Jul 27, 2018 — A summary of this new chapter on radiopharmaceuticals is provided here. SNMMI had recommended that a new chapter be established and now looks forward to reviewing it and providing comments. Members are also encouraged to submit comments.

• CMS Proposes 2019 Outpatient Payment Rules

  Jul 26, 2018 — CMS's Proposed Hospital Outpatient Rule has been released. Fees are up slightly.

• The NRC Adopts Many of SNMMI's Recommendations in Final Rule on Medical Use of Byproduct Material

  Jul 25, 2018 — NRC releases amendments related to medical event reporting, training and experience, and measuring molybdenum concentration, among other provisions.

• SNMMI Supports Bill Funding Mo-99 Domestic Production

  Jul 19, 2018 — In a letter to the Senate and House subcommittees on Energy and Water Development, SNMMI President Satoshi Minoshima, MD, PhD, joined with leaders of other medical societies, patient groups, radiopharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, and medical imaging companies to urge support of a provision in both the Senate and House bills that would provide $20 million in additional funding to continue establishing domestic production of Mo-99.

• SNMMI-TS Anatomy Series Webinars: Free for SNMMI Members

  Jul 18, 2018 — Designed specifically for technologists, the new Anatomy Webinar Series features detailed explanations of how tracers affect anatomical structures and what is considered normal and abnormal biodistribution. Each section of the body has a presentation displaying anatomical notations useful in a clinical setting.

• The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Impact Factor Increases by 12 Percent

  Jul 18, 2018 — The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM)—SNMMI's flagship publication—has again been ranked among the top medical imaging journals worldwide, according to new data released in the 2017 Journal Citation Reports© published by Clarivate Analytics. JNM’s impact factor went up from 6.646 (2016) to 7.439 (2017).

• Availability of Mo-99

  Jul 12, 2018 — Nuclear reactors in both South Africa and Australia are off-line for unscheduled reasons. Efforts are being made to reduce the impact on patients.

• SNMMI-ACNM-ASTRO Submit Joint Comments to NRC on Training and Experience Requirements

  Jul 10, 2018 — SNMMI together with representatives from ACNM and ASTRO offered recommendations for potential updates to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s requirements for those who wish to be authorized users of unsealed byproduct material.

• Novel PET Imaging Method More Fully Evaluates Extent of Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation

  Jul 9, 2018 — A new PET imaging method more fully evaluates the extent of rheumatoid arthritis by targeting translocator protein (TSPO) expression in the synovium (joint lining tissue). The study is featured in the July issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• Novel Pretargeted Radionuclide Therapy for HER2-Expressing Cancers Shows Promise

  Jul 2, 2018 — In a mouse model, researchers have demonstrated that a novel, affibody-based pretargeted radionuclide therapy for HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)-expressing cancers is non-toxic to the kidneys and improves survival. The study is reported in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine’s July featured article of the month.

• This Month in JNM

  Jul 1, 2018 — The July 2018 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Read about radionuclide therapy of HER2-expressing human xenografts using an affibody molecule-based PNA-mediated pretargeting; translocator protein as an imaging marker of macrophage and stromal activation in RA pannus; the effects of fasting on 18F-DCFPyL uptake in prostate cancer lesions and tissues with known high physiologic uptake; and more.

• SNMMI 65th Annual Meeting Sets the Stage for a Revolution in Precision Medicine

  Jun 28, 2018 — More than 5,000 physicians, technologists, scientists and exhibitors gathered for the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging’s 65th Annual Meeting, held June 23-26 in Philadelphia. With nuclear medicine playing a growing role in providing precision medicine, theranostics (combining diagnostic imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy) were an important focus throughout the meeting.

• SNMMI Announces Mark H. Crosthwaite, MEd, CNMT, PET, NMTCB(S), FSNMMI-TS, as President-Elect of Technologist Section during 2018 Annual Meeting

  Jun 26, 2018 — Mark H. Crosthwaite, MEd, CNMT, PET, NMTCB(S), FSNMMI-TS, associate professor and program director of the baccalaureate nuclear medicine technology program, Department of Radiation Sciences, at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, has been named 2018-2019 president elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS).

• SNMMI Image of the Year: PSMA PET Imaging of Theranostic for Advanced Prostate Cancer

  Jun 26, 2018 — In the battle against metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, studies have demonstrated a high response rate to radionuclide therapy targeting PSMA with the radionuclide lutetium-177. At the SNMMI 2018 Annual Meeting, researchers reported on a phase II prospective trial. Using gallium-68-PSMA11 PET imaging, men who had exhausted conventional therapies were screened. Those with high PSMA-expression proceeded to 177Lu-PSMA617 (LuPSMA) therapy and experienced high response rates, which is clearly demonstrated in the PSMA PET imaging figure selected as the 2018 SNMMI Image of the Year.

• SNMMI Announces Norman E. Bolus, MSPH, MPH, CNMT, FSNMMI-TS, as President of Technologist Section During 2018 Annual Meeting

  Jun 26, 2018 — Norman E. Bolus, MSPH, MPH, CNMT, FSNMMI-TS, has been elected as the 2018-2019 president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS). The new slate of officers was introduced during the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging’s (SNMMI) 2018 Annual Meeting, June 23–26 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

• Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Announces 2018 Fellows

  Jun 26, 2018 — The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging recognized 14 new SNMMI Fellows on June 25 during a Special Plenary Session at the society’s 2018 Annual Meeting, held June 23-26 in Philadelphia.

• Early Treatment of Advanced Prostate Cancer with PSMA-Targeted Radioligand Therapy Prolongs Life

  Jun 26, 2018 — Research presented at the SNMMI 2018 Annual Meeting demonstrates for the first time the benefit of providing earlier lutetium-177 prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligand therapy to patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Until now, this therapy has only been used in patients with end-stage disease.

• SNMMI and SNMMI-TS Welcome New Officers for 2018-19

  Jun 26, 2018 — At the 2018 SNMMI Annual Meeting in Denver, the SNMMI and SNMMI-TS welcomed new officers for the coming year.

• Fluciclovine PET/CT Locates Recurrent Prostate Cancer and Advises Management

  Jun 26, 2018 — The addition of fluorine-18-fluciclovine PET/CT to the diagnostic work-up of patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer locates previously undetected lesions and changes treatment management for the majority of patients, according to a clinical trial report presented at the SNMMI 2018 Annual Meeting.

• SNMMI Elects Satoshi Minoshima, MD, PhD, as President During 2018 Annual Meeting

  Jun 25, 2018 — Satoshi Minoshima, MD, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, has assumed office as 2018-19 president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI). SNMMI introduced a new slate of officers during its 2018 Annual Meeting, June 23–26 in Philadelphia.

• SNMMI Elects Alan B. Packard, PhD, as Vice President-Elect at 2018 Annual Meeting

  Jun 25, 2018 — Alan Packard, PhD, has been elected as 2018-19 vice president-elect of SNMMI. He is associate professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School, director of radiopharmaceutical research and a senior research associate in nuclear medicine at Boston Children's Hospital, and a research associate in nuclear medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

• Sanjiv Sam Gambhir, MD, PhD, Receives 2018 Benedict Cassen Prize for Research in Molecular Imaging

  Jun 25, 2018 — Sanjiv Sam Gambhir, MD, PhD, known for his pioneering work in multimodality molecular imaging, was awarded the Benedict Cassen Prize during the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) in Philadelphia, Pa. This honor is awarded every two years by the Education and Research Foundation for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging in recognition of outstanding achievement and work leading to a major advance in nuclear medicine science.

• SNMMI Elects Vasken Dilsizian, MD, as President-Elect During 2018 Annual Meeting

  Jun 25, 2018 — Vasken Dilsizian, MD, professor of radiology and medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and chief of the Division of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, has assumed office as 2018-19 president-elect of SNMMI.

• New Theranostic Strategy Developed for Precise Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy

  Jun 25, 2018 — A novel, intelligent theranostic agent for precise tumor diagnosis and therapy has been developed that remains as small molecules while circulating in the bloodstream, can then self-assemble into larger nanostructures in the tumor, and be activated by the tumor microenvironment for therapy guided by photoacoustic imaging. The research was presented at the SNMMI 2018 Annual Meeting.

• New Nuclear Medicine Technique Could Help Tackle Brain Disease

  Jun 24, 2018 — A new molecular imaging method can monitor the success of gene therapy in all areas of the brain, potentially allowing physicians to more effectively tackle brain conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. The research was presented today at the SNMMI 2018 Annual Meeting, June 23-26 in Philadelphia.

• Simon Cherry, PhD, Receives SNMMI 2018 Paul C. Aebersold Award for Outstanding Achievement in Basic Nuclear Medicine Science

  Jun 24, 2018 — Simon R. Cherry, PhD, Distinguished Professor at the University of California, Davis, has been named the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Paul C. Aebersold Award. Cherry was presented the award by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) during its Annual Meeting, June 23-26 in Philadelphia, PA.

• Novel Nuclear Medicine Approach Shows Promise for Treating Wide Array of Cancerous Tumors

  Jun 24, 2018 — A novel nuclear medicine approach is showing great promise for precision treatment of solid tumors in many types of cancer—including lung, breast, pancreas and ovarian in adults and glioma, neuroblastoma and sarcoma in children. The research was presented today at the SNMMI 2018 Annual Meeting, June 23-26 in Philadelphia.

• Novel Long-Lasting Radionuclide Therapy for Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors Proves Effective

  Jun 24, 2018 — A first-in-human study presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) demonstrates the benefits and safety of a new, long-lasting type of radionuclide therapy for patients with advanced, metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

• Combining Targeted Radionuclide Therapy and Immunotherapy Could Improve Melanoma Survival

  Jun 24, 2018 — Research presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) shows that combining targeted radionuclide therapy with immunotherapy could improve the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma.

• Richard L. Wahl, MD, Receives SNMMI 2018 Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award

  Jun 24, 2018 — Richard L. Wahl, MD, FACNM, FACR, has been named this year’s recipient of the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award for his contributions to nuclear medicine. Wahl is the Elizabeth E. Mallinckrodt Professor and head of radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, director of the university’s Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology and a professor of radiation oncology. He was presented the award by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) during its 2018 Annual Meeting, June 23-26 in Philadelphia.

• Novel Nuclear Medicine Probe Will Help Assess New Drugs for Neurodegenerative Diseases

  Jun 24, 2018 — New nuclear medicine tracers could help medical researchers find a cure for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. The research was presented today at the SNMMI 2018 Annual Meeting, June 23-26 in Philadelphia.

• Improved PSMA-Targeting Agent More Effective for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy in Mice

  Jun 23, 2018 — Research presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) demonstrates a potentially more effective method of imaging and treating prostate cancer that modifies a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted radioligand by adding an albumin-binding Evans blue (an azo dye) derivative.

• Novel PET Tracer Successfully Images Cardiovascular Infections

  Jun 23, 2018 — A novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracer has been developed that can accurately image cardiovascular infections, which are extremely dangerous and have a high fatality rate. The research was presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).

• SNMMI—Highlights from a Year Full of Accomplishments

  Jun 20, 2018 — As we approach the SNMMI Annual Meeting, we are ending a productive and exciting year! SNMMI and SNMMI-TS moved forward on many key issues and activities that affect imaging research and practice, with the ultimate goal of delivering the best possible care to patients. Take a few minutes to read this brief Year in Review with 20 highlights of SNMMI and SNMMI-TS accomplishments.

• The AMA's RUC and Why It Is Important to You

  Jun 12, 2018 — The American Medical Association (AMA) has an expert panel called the Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC), which advocates for accurate valuation of all physician services. If you receive a request from SNMMI to participate in an AMA RUC survey, it is imperative that you participate so your voice can be heard.

• WMIS, ACR and SNMMI Urge CMS to Reopen Reconsideration for NaF PET

  Jun 7, 2018 — Medicare patients with metastatic cancers may be negatively impacted by the recent decision of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to decline to provide coverage for 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography (NaF PET) imaging.

• New Nuclear Medicine Method Shows Promise for Better Detection of Neuroendocrine Tumors

  Jun 6, 2018 — Researchers have shown that a new nuclear medicine procedure could safely and more effectively detect cancerous gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors than current methods. The study is featured in the June issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• Novel PET Imaging Noninvasively Pinpoints Colitis Inflammation Sites

  Jun 4, 2018 — A novel positron emission tomography (PET) imaging method shows promise for noninvasively pinpointing sites of inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disease, which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), study is featured in the June issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• This Month in JNM

  Jun 1, 2018 — The June 2018 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Read about small proteins for radionuclide imaging; novel PET imaging methods, including for pinpointing sites of inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disease and for more effectively identifying GEP-NETs; and more!

• SNMMI 2018 Annual Meeting: Imaging the Future of Human Health

  May 31, 2018 — The SNMMI 2018 Annual Meeting will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA, June 23–26. It will bring together physicians, technologists, pharmacists and scientists from around the globe to share research, network, and collaborate on “Imaging the Future of Human Health.”

• Comments Sent to FDA Regarding Amino Acids Needed During Lu-177 DOTATATE Therapy

  May 29, 2018 — SNMMI, the Mayo Clinic, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have jointly filed comments with the FDA with recommendations for regulatory changes that would make it easier for patients with GEP-NETs to obtain arginine and lysine--amino acids that can mitigate side effects of Lu-177 DOTATATE therapy.

• Session on Training for Nuclear Medicine Physicians to be Offered at SNMMI Annual Meeting

  May 22, 2018 — The training path for nuclear medicine physicians is an important and ongoing topic of discussion for the field. To advance this discussion, Satoshi Minoshima, MD, and Richard L. Wahl, MD, FACNM, have developed a continuing education session for the 2018 SNMMI Annual Meeting in Philadelphia (June 23-26), which will also be available through the Virtual Meeting.

• The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Adds Immediate Open Access Option

  May 21, 2018 — The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM) now provides an Immediate Open Access (IOA) publication option to accommodate authors who need to comply with specific funding mandates.

• SNMMI Advocates for Improved Reimbursement at CMS Public Meeting

  May 21, 2018 — SNMMI recently advocated on behalf of members and their patients at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) workgroup public meeting. Lu-177-dotatate, Ga-68-dotatate, and Fl-18-fluciclovine are all delivered by pharmacies in per-study doses, not per-unit doses; SNMMI requested that CMS modify the coding descriptors for payment accordingly.

• SNMMI Collaborates with Industry to Advance the Field of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

  May 17, 2018 — The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Value Initiative Industry Alliance brings members of the corporate community to the table as key players in building the future of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging and demonstrating to the medical community, regulators, patients and the public their crucial role in delivering the highest quality of care.

• Physicians: Your Input Needed on PET/CT Survey

  May 8, 2018 — Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School are surveying practicing nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists to determine when and why PET/CTs are performed for inpatients. The survey is brief and anonymous. Please participate now!

• PET Imaging Agent Could Provide Early Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

  May 3, 2018 — A novel PET tracer developed by Korean researchers can visualize joint inflammation and could provide early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, a common autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of joints and can lead to deformity and dysfunction. The study is reported in the featured basic science article in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine’s May issue.

• Novel Theranostic Approach for Treating Pancreatic Cancer Patients Shows Promise

  May 1, 2018 — German researchers have developed a novel diagnostic and therapeutic (theranostic) procedure for patients with ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a deadly cancer with an extremely poor prognosis (five-year survival rate of less than 5 percent) and limited treatment options. The study is featured in the May issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• SNMMI Annual Meeting: Plenary Speakers Announced

  May 1, 2018 — Speakers have been announced for the plenary sessions of the 2018 SNMMI Annual Meeting, to be held June 23–26 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

• This Month in JNM

  May 1, 2018 — The May 2018 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Read about a novel theranostic approach for treating pancreatic cancer, a PET imaging agent for early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, selecting the right PET radiotracer for prostate cancer, recent developments in diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound, and more!

• DaT SPECT Video Shows Patients What to Expect

  Apr 18, 2018 — Dopamine transporter (DaT) imaging, with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), is used to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. To help patients who are scheduled for a DaT SPECT procedure, SNMMI’s Brain Imaging Outreach Working Group created a video that takes the patient through what happens at each step.

• PET Tracer Could Help Predict Treatment Effectiveness for Depression

  Apr 6, 2018 — A PET imaging agent could show, ahead of time, whether a specific treatment is likely to be effective for major depressive disorder—a debilitating condition that affects more than 14 million Americans. No such marker is currently available in clinical psychiatry. The study is featured in the April issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• Novel PET Imaging Agent Could Help Guide Therapy for Brain Diseases

  Apr 2, 2018 — Researchers have developed a new PET imaging agent that could help guide and assess treatments for people with various neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. The agent targets receptors in nerve cells in the brain that are involved in learning and memory. The study is featured in the April issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• This Month in JNM

  Apr 1, 2018 — The April 2018 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Read about new PET tracers—one that could help guide therapy for brain diseases and another that could help predict treatment effectiveness for depression, PET/CT in local ablative therapies, challenges in nuclear endocrinology and more!

• Partial Relief for High-Value Radiopharmaceuticals in Signed Budget Bill

  Mar 23, 2018 — Buried in the Budget Bill that was just signed into law is a provision that provides some high-value radiopharmaceuticals partial and temporary relief. It also mandates that the Government Accountability Office study the problems with reimbursement for these drugs and report back to Congress.

• Societies Collaborate to Address Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

  Mar 22, 2018 — Representatives of SNMMI, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM), the European Thyroid Association (ETA) and American Thyroid Association (ATA) met at the Multilateral Conference on Differentiated Thyroid Cancer and began working collaboratively on issues related to the care of patients with thyroid cancer, with particular focus on radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy.

• SNMMI Seeks Expanded Coverage for NaF PET

  Mar 21, 2018 — SNMMI, the World Molecular Imaging Society (WMIS), and the American College of Radiology (ACR) are recommending that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reconsider the current restrictive coverage policy for NaF PET imaging to identify bone metastases, which can inform treatment strategy.

• Patient Fly-In for Capitol Hill Advocacy: Bill to Reclassify Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals as Drugs

  Mar 15, 2018 — Patients advocates with a wide range of health conditions—including neuroendocrine tumors, lymphoma and cancers of the lung, breast, and prostate—flew into Washington, DC, for March 14 meetings on Capitol Hill to urge support for a bill that would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reclassify diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals as drugs. Patients rely on the radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosing and monitoring their conditions, as well as guiding therapy.

• Technologists: The JNMT Twitter Club Launches in April!

  Mar 14, 2018 — Starting in April, at least one scientific article in each issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology (JNMT) will be selected for discussion by the new JNMT Twitter Club (@JNMTClub). Participants read the article before the club meets, then discusses it via Twitter, using #JNMTclub in each tweet. (1 CE hour can be earned via the short post-exam.)

• Novel PET Imaging Agent Targets Copper in Tumors, Allowing Early Detection of Prostate Cancer Recurrence

  Mar 5, 2018 — An Italian study featured in the March issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine demonstrates that a novel nuclear medicine imaging agent targeting copper accumulation in tumors can detect prostate cancer recurrence early in patients with biochemical relapse (rising prostate-specific antigen [PSA] level).

• JNMT: New Cover, New Features

  Mar 5, 2018 — The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology (JNMT) has a new cover design and new features under the leadership Kathy Thomas, MHA, CNMT, whose five-year term as editor began in January.

• Researchers Develop New Approach That Uses a Single PET Scan to Personalize Cancer Treatment

  Mar 1, 2018 — Researchers have developed a same-day, noninvasive PET-based imaging approach to assess PD-L1 positive tumors, which could help guide cancer treatment decisions and assess treatment response. The study is presented in the featured article of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine’s March issue.

• This Month in JNM

  Mar 1, 2018 — The March 2018 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available. Read about a PET imaging agent that assesses PD-L1-positive tumors and another that targets copper in prostate cancer tumors, patient management after NaF PET, dual-targeted molecular imaging and more!

• What’s New at the 2018 SNMMI Annual Meeting

  Feb 23, 2018 — SNMMI’s 2018 Annual Meeting—the premier educational, scientific and networking event for the nuclear medicine and molecular imaging community—will be held in Philadelphia, PA, June 23–26. There's much that's new this year, including a number of features added in response to member feedback: a condensed 4-day meeting, nuts-and-bolts sessions, interactive training showcases in the Exhibit Hall and more! We also welcome China as the Highlight Country!

• SNMMI and ASNC Issue Joint Guidelines for Quantification of Myocardial Blood Flow Using PET

  Feb 13, 2018 — SNMMI's Cardiovascular Council and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) have issued the joint position paper, Clinical Quantification of Myocardial Blood Flow Using PET, which was jointly published in the Journal of Nuclear Cardiology and The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• SNMMI To Monitor Current Research Looking at Potential Job-Related Health Risks to Technologists

  Feb 6, 2018 — According to a study published in the February issue of Radiology, imaging specialists who have performed nuclear medicine exams appear to be at higher risk of developing cataracts. SNMMI and SNMMI-TS place the highest importance on the safety of nuclear medicine professionals and are monitoring this issue, as well as any other potential nuclear medicine-related health risks to professionals in the field.

• PSMA PET/CT Clearly Differentiates Prostate Cancer from Benign Tissue

  Feb 5, 2018 — Using nuclear medicine, German researchers have found a way to accurately differentiate cancerous tissue from healthy tissue in prostate cancer patients. The research is highlighted in the February issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• PSMA PET/CT Visualizes Prostate Cancer Recurrence Early, Impacts Radiation Therapy

  Feb 1, 2018 — A nuclear medicine scan may locate prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy early after disease recurrence and could help guide salvage radiotherapy, according to new research from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). The study, which utilizes PET/CT with gallium-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen (68Ga-PSMA-11), is documented in the featured article in the February issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• This Month in JNM

  Feb 1, 2018 — The February 2018 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now available.

• SNMMI and SNMMI-TS Announce 2018 Leadership Academy Graduates

  Jan 31, 2018 — During SNMMI’s Mid-Winter Meeting in Orlando, Florida, both SNMMI and SNMMI-TS held leadership academies. These academies are building a cadre of physicians, scientists and technologists with strong leadership abilities who are taking on active roles in the society at the chapter and national levels, as well as within the nuclear medicine and molecular imaging community. Congratulations to all the new graduates!

• SNMMI-TS State Advocacy Update

  Jan 25, 2018 — SNMMI has been working with state Technologist Advocacy Group (TAG) representatives to promote licensure and the new Nuclear Medicine Technologist Scope of Practice and Performance Standards. Read about recent successes and current efforts.

• Temporary Mo-99 Shortfall Being Addressed

  Jan 23, 2018 — With the temporary stoppage of Mo-99 production at South Africa’s NTP Radioisotopes and the unexpected shutdown of Australia’s OPAL reactor, the Association of Imaging Producers & Equipment Suppliers (AIPES) expects there could be an approximately 15-percent shortfall in Mo-99 to meet world demand over the next one-to-two weeks. The good news is that safeguards in place for the Mo-99 supply pipeline are working as anticipated to cover just such unexpected stoppages.

• Update on Procedure Standards

  Jan 18, 2018 — The SNMMI Committee on Procedure Standards, chaired by Dominique Delbeke, MD, PhD, FSNMMI, is working with its counterpart at EANM and other partner organizations to update joint procedure standards and develop guidelines for new procedures.

• USP Plans to Establish New Chapter for Radiopharmaceuticals and Calls for Candidates on Expert Panel

  Jun 2, 2017 — The USP plans to establish a new General Chapter <825> Compounding-Radiopharmaceuticals.

• 2017 Robert E. Henkin Government Relations Fellowship

  May 31, 2017 — The fellows spent a week in Washington, DC, and gained firsthand knowledge of Capitol Hill and inside federal agencies.

• FDA Issues Draft Guidances on Compounding and Repackaging Radiopharmaceuticals

  Jan 11, 2017 — The FDA issued two draft guidances that describe FDA’s proposed policies regarding the compounding and repackaging of radiopharmaceuticals for human use by state-licensed nuclear pharmacies or federal facilities, and outsourcing facilities.

• SNMMI Develops USP Recommendations for Compounded Sterile Radiopharmaceuticals

  Dec 14, 2016 — SNMMI has developed USP Recommendations for Compounded Sterile Radiopharmaceuticals.