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SNMMI News

• Alert: HFR Outage Will Impact Isotope Supply

  Jan 26, 2022 — On January 24, Nuclear Medicine Europe communicated that there will be a delay in the restart of the HFR Reactor that will impact the supply of Mo-99 and Lu-177 in coming weeks.

• PSMA PET Validates EAU Classification System to Determine Risk of Prostate Cancer Recurrence

  Jan 20, 2022 — Research published in the January issue of JNM has confirmed the accuracy of the European Association of Urology risk classification system that groups prostate cancer patients based on their risk of recurrence.

• SNMMI Statement: Possible Effect of Omicron Infection on FDG PET/CT Scans

  Jan 14, 2022 — SNMMI's COVID-19 Task Force makes new recommendations for FDG PET/CT and FDG PET/MR in relation to the Omicron variant.

• SNMMI Reacts to CMS Coverage Decision on New Alzheimer’s Therapy

  Jan 12, 2022 — On January 11, CMS announced that it proposes to cover FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies directed against amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease under CED in CMS-approved randomized controlled trials. SNMMI reacts.

• PET/CT Artificial Intelligence Model Ideal for Predicting Risk of Future Heart Attack

  Jan 11, 2022 — When assessed together in an AI model, coronary F-18 NaF uptake on PET and quantitative coronary plaque characteristics on CT angiography were found to provide risk prediction superior to that of clinical data alone.

• JNM Publishes Appropriate Use Criteria for Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET Imaging

  Jan 7, 2022 — SNMMI and peer medical groups have issued AUC for PSMA PET imaging. Published in the January issue of JNM, the criteria are the product of an international multidisciplinary panel of expert healthcare providers.

• This Month in JNM

  Jan 4, 2022 — Discussions with Leaders – Nuclear medicine in Australia … State of the Art – a-emitter labeling review … Hot Topics – Imaging ICI-induced myocarditis … Focus on MI – Molecular breast imaging … SNMMI appropriate use criteria for PSMA PET imaging … Featured: 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT in fILD and LC … 18F-FAraG imaging of CNS T cells … and more.

• SNMMI Supports Intent of No Surprises Act, Issues Further Recommendations

  Dec 23, 2021 — SNMMI strongly supports the goals of the No Surprises Act—including protecting patients from surprise medical bills, improving the availability of affordable, high-quality, in-network care, and developing a fair and impartial process for resolving provider-insurer payment disputes—and recommends that the government make specific clarifications to the interim final rules.

• FDA Approves New PSMA Kit, Increasing Access to Ga-68 Prostate Cancer Imaging

  Dec 21, 2021 — On December 20, the FDA approved a new kit for preparation of gallium-68 PSMA-11 injection for PET imaging of PSMA-positive lesions in men with prostate cancer, making Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET imaging more widely available in the U.S.

• A Call to Action to Ensure Federal Funding for Scientific Research

  Dec 14, 2021 — SNMMI and the Academy of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Research have partnered to urge Congress to pass an FY22 appropriations package that supports the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and biomedical imaging, while stopping the use of harmful continuing resolutions (CRs).

• Senate Passes Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act

  Dec 10, 2021 — Last night, SNMMI and more than 300 medical societies rejoiced when the Senate passed the Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act (S. 610).

• NCCI Completes SNMMI's Proposed Changes to PTP Edits

  Dec 7, 2021 — CMS's National Correct Coding Initiative issued procedure-to-procedure edit corrections requested by SNMMI for several of the new and revised CPT codes, retroactive for claims with a date of service January 1, 2020, or after.

• JNM Supplement Addresses Radiopharmaceutical Dosimetry for Cancer Therapy

  Dec 6, 2021 — Can the tailoring of drug dosage improve the effectiveness of radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) for cancer patients? JNM has issued a new supplement addressing both the rapid progress and the challenges in applying patient-specific radiation dosimetry to guide RPT.

• With a New Bill, SNMMI Urges Congress to Avert Cuts to Physician Reimbursement

  Dec 1, 2021 — Once again, SNMMI and more than 300 medical societies voiced their support for averting the looming cuts to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Following the release of the Calendar Year 2022 MPFS Rule that indicated the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will allow this payment adjustment to expire at the end of 2021, Reps. Bera, MD and Bucshon, MD introduced H.R. 6020. Their bipartisan legislation would extend the 3.75% update to the conversion factor for an additional year.

• This Month in JNM

  Dec 1, 2021 — In December JNM: Discussion with leaders—Mark Mintun, MD … State of the Art—Combination PSMA theranostics … Hot Topics—Embolization of liver-dominant NETs … Focus on MI—21st century imaging biomarkers … Featured—Dual-phase 18F-FPCIT PET in PD … Modifying 223Ra distribution … and more.

• CMS Grants Transitional Pass-Through Payment Status for PSMA PET Imaging Agent for Prostate Cancer

  Nov 24, 2021 — On November 22, CMS granted transitional pass-through payment status for 18F-piflufolastat, increasing patient access to an innovative imaging approach for detecting the spread of prostate cancer to other parts of the body.

• Novel Radionuclide Therapy Proven Safe and Effective to Treat Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

  Nov 19, 2021 — A new type of PRRT has been shown to control disease in 85 percent of patients with metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms, achieving complete remission in some patients, according to research published in JNM.

• SNMMI Lauds CMS Decision to Expand Coverage for Non-Oncologic PET

  Nov 11, 2021 — SNMMI lauds last week’s decision by CMS to remove exclusionary language relating to the non-oncologic use of PET, expanding access to critical care for patients.

• 2022 Ones to Watch Nominations

  Nov 10, 2021 — SNMMI is now accepting nominations for our 2022 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 someone they know—currently in training or who have completed their training within the last 10 years—whose actions, work, or studies have set them apart as a future thought leader in the field.

• CMS Publishes MPFS and OPPS Final Rules Expanding Coverage for Non-Oncologic PET

  Nov 9, 2021 — Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized its Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and Hospital Outpatient Prospective System (OPPS) rules.

• This Month in JNM

  Nov 2, 2021 — In November JNM: The need to assess PSMA expression prior to PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy … A discussion with Andrew M. Scott … Production and supply of a-emitters … Gut–brain axis imaging in PD … Featured: Neoadjuvant PRRT with 177Lu-DOTATATE … LAG-3 imaging and therapy response … SNMMI/ASNC practical guide to cardiac PET measurements of MBF … and more.

• Molecular Imaging Suggests Long-COVID Symptoms May Be Caused by Fatigue, Not Regional Brain Dysfunction

  Oct 29, 2021 — Long-term cognitive problems after a COVID-19 diagnosis may be a result of fatigue rather than pathological changes in the brain, according to a study published ahead-of-print in JNM.

• SNMMI 2021-2023 Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship Recipient Announced

  Oct 15, 2021 — SNMMI is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2021-2023 SNMMI Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship. This two-year fellowship, founded in 2008 by the late Henry N. Wagner, Jr., MD, and the late Kanji Torizuka, MD, PhD, is designed to provide extensive training and experience in the fields of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging for Japanese physicians in the early stages of their careers. Applications are available for 2022-2024 fellowships.

• SNMMI Urges Congress to Avert Cuts to Physician Reimbursement

  Oct 15, 2021 — Yesterday, SNMMI and more than 200 other medical societies espoused their support for averting cuts to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Reps. Bera (D-CA) and Buschon (R-IN) led this effort in the following "Dear Colleague" letter to House leadership, supported by 245 members of Congress.

• Now Available! PET/CT in Oncology 2021: Part 1

  Oct 7, 2021 — The SNMMI-TS has just released a new book in the SNMMI-TS Quality and Safety Series: PET/CT in Oncology 2021: Part 1. Members can now access the PDF version and interactive online edition free of charge, or receive a 50% discount on the printed book available in the SNMMI Store.

• PSMA PET Imaging More Accurate Than CT in Detecting Hepatocellular Carcinoma

  Sep 30, 2021 — PSMA PET/CT is more accurate than conventional CT in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma metastases and was associated with a change of management for nearly half of patients, according to research published in the September issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• Introducing the SNMMI Annual Awards Guide

  Sep 30, 2021 — The SNMMI is excited to publish its first comprehensive awards publication, SNMMI Annual Grants & Awards Recognition, highlighting the recipients of the many honors, awards, grants, and scholarships presented by the SNMMI and SNMMI-TS in the past year.

• Newly Approved PET Imaging Agent Solves Clinical Dilemmas in Breast Cancer Patients

  Sep 29, 2021 — A non-invasive, patient-friendly imaging technique can help physicians make treatment decisions for breast cancer patients when diagnostic dilemmas arise, according to research published in the September issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• New Radionuclide Therapy Identified for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients

  Sep 28, 2021 — A promising radionuclide treatment may offer new therapeutic options for breast cancer patients, according to research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• Patients Spotlight Nuclear Medicine in Prominent Magazine/Website

  Sep 27, 2021 — Interviews of patient advocates Josh Mailman and Theresa Wickerham were featured recently in Authority Magazine and the website ThriveGlobal. The stories outline how they are surviving cancer with help from nuclear medicine diagnostics, therapies and theranostics.

• The FIND Act Gets a Senate Companion Bill

  Sep 26, 2021 — On August 4, 2021, Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics (FIND) Act of 2021 (S. 2609), legislation that would significantly expand patient access to advanced nuclear diagnostic imaging technologies.

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

  Sep 22, 2021 — SNMMI has updated its statement on V/Q lung studies V/Q lung scans.

• SNMMI, Medical Groups Issue Appropriate Use Criteria for PSMA PET Imaging

  Sep 22, 2021 — A new set of appropriate use criteria is now available to guide referring and imaging physicians in their use of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET imaging agents to detect prostate cancer.

• SNMMI Shares Latest Advances in Nuclear Medicine with Patient Audience

  Sep 17, 2021 — SNMMI’s 10th Annual Patient Education Day drew more than 220 patients, caregivers, and advocates, providing insights into the role of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging in disease diagnosis, staging, and treatment.

• ACMUI Backs SNMMI's Recommendations on Extravasation Reporting

  Sep 3, 2021 — Yesterday, the ACMUI Subcommittee on Extravasations reviewed and provided further recommendations on the NRC Staff Preliminary Evaluation of Radiopharmaceutical Extravasation and Medical Event Reporting in a public meeting. In anticipation of the meeting, SNMMI provided public comment.

• This Month in JNM

  Sep 2, 2021 — In September JNM: Editor’s Page: JNM impact factor reaches a new milestone … Discussions with leaders: Caius Radu … State of the Art: Image-Guided HIFU in nuclear medicine … Hot Topics: Cardiac PET and the future … Continuing Education: Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma … Focus on MI: Current clinical pretargeting … Issues and Controversies: Diversity in nuclear medicine. Featured: Pretargeted immuno-PET in MTC … 68Ga-BMS-986192 for PD-L1 PET … and more.

• California Members: Act Now to Oppose A.B 1273

  Aug 12, 2021 — Earlier this year, Assemblyman Freddie Rodriguez introduced A.B 1273, Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship: the Director of Consumer Affairs and the State Public Health Officer. Our SNMMI-TS Advocacy Committee acted quickly and submitted an opposition letter prior to the public hearing before the Senate Health Committee. This harmful piece of legislation is now up for a (Senate) floor vote, so we are calling our members to act quickly to oppose it.

• SNMMI Participates in "ACGME Equity Matters" Initiative

  Aug 4, 2021 — SNMMI is proud to announce its partnership in ACGME Equity Matters, a new initiative that introduces a framework for continuous learning and process improvement in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and anti-racism practices.

• CMS Revokes Coding Barriers for 18F FDG PET Infection and Inflammation NCD Retirement

  Aug 3, 2021 — In December 2020, CMS retired the National Coverage Determination for F-18 FDG PET for infection and inflammation, effective January 1, 2021. On June 8, CMS put forth certain ICD-10 codes for osteomyelitis and fever of unknown origin in a transmittal—which they would NOT cover. Yesterday, that decision was reversed.

• This Month in JNM

  Aug 2, 2021 — In August JNM: Perspectives on Cutting-Edge Clinical Trials … Hot Topics: Targeted radionuclide therapy trials … Editorial: 18F-FDG for inflammation and infection … Featured articles: 18F-Enzalutamide for androgen expression … 18F-Fluciclovine and radiotherapy decisions … and more.

• Topical Molecular Imaging Tracer Enables Real-Time Detection of Cervical Cancer

  Jul 27, 2021 — With the help of a topical fluorescent imaging agent, cervical cancer can be identified by physicians with a hand-held microscope, according to research published in the July issue of JNM.

• SNMMI Comments on CURES 2.0 Proposal

  Jul 26, 2021 — When Reps. Upton and DeGette requested comment on their 21st Century Cures 2.0 proposal, we listened. The bill aims to continue the acceleration of the discovery, development, and delivery of 21st century cures. The coalition's letter urged Congress to use this opportunity to expand Medicare beneficiary access to diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.

• Novel Imaging Agent Identifies Biomarker for Iron-Targeted Cancer Therapies

  Jul 22, 2021 — A new radiotracer that detects iron in cancer cells has proven effective, opening the door for the advancement of iron-targeted therapies for cancer patients.

• SNMMI and Coalition Partners Applaud the Introduction of the FIND Act

  Jul 21, 2021 — On July 16, Congressmen Scott Peters (D-CA), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Greg Murphy (R-NC) introduced the Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics (FIND) Act of 2021 (H.R. 4479), legislation that would significantly expand patient access to advanced nuclear diagnostic imaging technologies.

• CMS Announcements Hold Big Surprises for PET Scans

  Jul 19, 2021 — Last week brought two big announcements from CMS: a national coverage analysis notice on Alzheimer's disease treatment and the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS).

• SNMMI Announces Ones to Watch 2021 Selections

  Jul 16, 2021 — SNMMI is pleased to present our annual list of 30 early career professionals selected as “Ones to Watch” in 2021!

• The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Spotlights the Future of Nuclear Endocrinology

  Jul 15, 2021 — A new JNM supplement focuses on nuclear endocrinology, including novel approaches and updates on imaging for hyperparathyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyrotoxicosis, adrenal masses, brown adipose tissue, hyperinsulinism, pituitary adenomas, and more.

• This Month in JNM

  Jul 13, 2021 — In July JNM—Discussion with Leaders: Lou Marzella … Hot Topics: Pharmacogenomics in radionuclide therapy … CE: Nuclear medicine in benign thyroid disease … Focus on MI: Immunometabolism and atherosclerosis ... COVID Commentary: Cognitive recovery in chronic COVID-19 … Featured: PSMA RLT proteomics/phosphoproteomics … Anti-PD-1 response in NSCLC … and more.

• Total-Body PET Imaging Exceeds Industry Standards

  Jul 7, 2021 — A performance evaluation of the uEXPLORER total-body PET/CT scanner showed that it exhibits ultra-high sensitivity that supports excellent spatial resolution and image quality, according to research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

• Molecular Imaging Improves Staging and Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas

  Jul 5, 2021 — For patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, molecular imaging can improve staging and clinical management of the disease, according to research published in JNM.

• Journal of Nuclear Medicine Impact Factor Surges More than 27%

  Jul 1, 2021 — The Journal of Nuclear Medicine has again achieved the highest impact factor ever in its history, now ranking third among all medical imaging journals worldwide, according to new data just released in the 2020 Journal Citation Reports.

• SNMMI Submits Senate Testimony Supporting Additional NIH Funding

  Jun 24, 2021 — Yesterday, SNMMI filed its Outside Witness Testimony in support of increased funding for the National Institutes of Health. In it, the Society continues to promote at least $46.1 billion for NIH.

• SNMMI COVID-19 Task Force Vaccination Recommendation

  Jun 22, 2021 — The SNMMI COVID-19 Task Force strongly urges all eligible SNMMI members and healthcare professionals to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

• Update: Humana Reverses Non-Oncologic PET/CT Non-Coverage Policy

  Jun 21, 2021 — Months ago, Humana reversed its decision to deny coverage for PET/CT imaging of gastric and esophageal oncologic indications. Now we have more good news.

• SNMMI Announces Krystle W. Glasgow, MIS, CNMT, NMTCB(CT), NMAA, FSNMMI-TS, as President-Elect of the Technologist Section During 2021 Annual Meeting

  Jun 15, 2021 — Krystle W. Glasgow, MIS, CNMT, NMTCB(CT), NMAA, FSNMMI-TS, has been elected as the 2021-22 president-elect for the SNMMI-TS.

• SNMMI Announces Dusty M. York, MAEd, CNMT, PET, ARRT(N)(CT) as President of the Technologist Section During 2021 Annual Meeting

  Jun 15, 2021 — Dusty M. York, MAEd, CNMT, PET, ARRT(N)(CT), has been elected as the 2021-22 president for the SNMMI-TS.

• PSMA-Targeted Radiotracer Pinpoints Metastatic Prostate Cancer Across Anatomic Regions

  Jun 15, 2021 — A phase III clinical trial has validated the effectiveness of the PSMA-targeted radiotracer 18F-DCFPyL in detecting and localizing recurrent prostate cancer. This study was presented at the SNMMI 2021 Annual Meeting.

• SNMMI Image of the Year: PET Imaging Measures Cognitive Impairment in COVID-19 Patients

  Jun 15, 2021 — The effects of COVID-19 on the brain can be accurately measured with positron emission tomography (PET), according to research presented at the SNMMI 2021 Annual Meeting. The detailed depiction of areas of cognitive impairment, neurological symptoms and comparison of impairment over a six-month time frame has been selected as SNMMI’s 2021 Image of the Year.

• Novel Radiotracer Shows Promise to Predict Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture

  Jun 15, 2021 — A new PET radiotracer can detect abdominal aortic aneurysms and potentially predict when they will rupture, according to research presented at the SNMMI 2021 Annual Meeting.

• SNMMI Elects Helen Nadel, MD, FRCPC, as Vice President-Elect at 2021 Annual Meeting

  Jun 14, 2021 — Helen Nadel, MD, FRCPC, has been named as SNMMI vice president-elect. SNMMI introduced a new slate of officers during its 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting, held June 11-15.

• SNMMI Elects Munir Ghesani, MD, FACNM, FACR, as President-Elect at 2021 Annual Meeting

  Jun 14, 2021 — Munir Ghesani, MD, FACNM, FACR, has been named as SNMMI president-elect. SNMMI introduced a new slate of officers during its 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting, held June 11-15.

• Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Announces 2021 Fellows

  Jun 14, 2021 — SNMMI recognized 17 new SNMMI Fellows on Monday, June 14, during a plenary session at the society’s 2021 Annual Meeting, held virtually June 11-15.

• Steven M. Larson, MD, Receives SNMMI 2021 Paul C. Aebersold Award for Outstanding Achievement in Basic Nuclear Medicine Science

  Jun 14, 2021 — Steven M. Larson, MD, has been named the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Paul C. Aebersold Award. The award was announced by the SNMMI during its 2021 Annual Meeting.

• SNMMI Elects Richard L. Wahl, MD, as President During 2021 Annual Meeting

  Jun 14, 2021 — Richard L. Wahl, MD, has been elected 2021-22 president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. SNMMI introduced a new slate of officers during its 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting, held June 11-15.

• New PET Tracer Detects Hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease Years Before Symptoms Emerge

  Jun 14, 2021 — A novel PET radiotracer has been shown to effectively measure increases in brain tau—a distinguishing characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease—before any symptoms of the disease are observed. The research was presented at the SNMMI 2021 Annual Meeting.

• Lipophilic Statin Use Linked to Increased Risk of Dementia

  Jun 14, 2021 — In patients with mild cognitive impairment, taking lipophilic statins more than doubles their risk of developing dementia compared to those who do not take statins. According to research presented at the SNMMI 2021 Annual Meeting, PET scans of lipophilic statin users revealed a highly significant decline in metabolism in the area of the brain that is first impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.

• New Theranostic Approach Combines Radiopharmaceuticals and Nanoparticles to Kill Cancer Cells

  Jun 14, 2021 — Researchers have successfully developed a novel cancer treatment approach that utilizes Cerenkov radiation energy to target and destroy cancer cells more effectively, according to new research presented at SNMMI’s 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting.

• Novel Radiopharmaceutical Tracks “Master Switch” Protein Responsible for Cancer Growth

  Jun 14, 2021 — A protein that is critical in cancer cell metabolism has been imaged for the first time with a newly developed radiopharmaceutical, 18F-DASA-23, according to research presented at the SNMMI 2021 Annual Meeting.

• Deep Learning with SPECT Accurately Predicts Major Adverse Cardiac Events

  Jun 13, 2021 — Deep learning can predict major adverse cardiac events more accurately than current standard imaging protocols, according to research presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2021 Annual Meeting.

• Thomas J. Ruth, PhD, FRSC, FSRS, Receives SNMMI Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award

  Jun 13, 2021 — Thomas J. Ruth, PhD, FRSC, FSRS, a scientist known for his contributions to nuclear medicine and nuclear chemistry, has been named as this year’s recipient of the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award.

• New Super-Resolution Technique Allows for More Detailed Brain Imaging

  Jun 13, 2021 — A new imaging technique termed "super-resolution" has the potential to detect neurological disorders—such as Alzheimer’s disease—at their earliest stages, enabling physicians to diagnose and treat patients more quickly.

• PET Radiotracer Effective for Detection and Assessment of Lung Fibrosis

  Jun 13, 2021 — PET using a Ga-68–labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) can noninvasively identify and monitor pulmonary fibrosis, according to research presented at the SNMMI 2021 Annual Meeting.

• Promising Ovarian Cancer Treatment Proves Effective and Efficient

  Jun 12, 2021 — Preclinical trials of a new radiopharmaceutical to treat ovarian cancer have produced successful results, dramatically limiting tumor growth and decreasing tumor mass.

• SNMMI Will Engage with CMS to Ensure Coverage of Amyloid PET Imaging

  Jun 9, 2021 — The FDA approved aducanumab on June 7, but amyloid PET scans were not mentioned as a requirement on the drug label. SNMMI will engage with CMS to ensure access and reimbursement for this important diagnostic test.

• NCCI Implements More of SNMMI's Proposed Changes to PTP Edits

  Jun 8, 2021 — On June 1, CMS's National Correct Coding Initiative posted several Procedure to Procedure edit corrections requested by SNMMI for several of the new and revised CPT codes.

• FDA Approves New Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease

  Jun 7, 2021 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the human monoclonal antibody Aduhelm (aducanumab) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

• VISION Trial: Radionuclide Therapy Reduces Death and Disease Progression in Prostate Cancer Patients

  Jun 4, 2021 — The targeted radionuclide therapy 177Lu-PSMA-617 has been proven effective in improving survival in men with advanced prostate cancer, according to recently published results from the VISION trial.

• SNMMI Authors Member Template Letter for SPECT/CT Coverage Denials

  Jun 3, 2021 — After many complaints from our members about SPECT/CT coverage denials from various commercial payers, SNMMI has put forth a resource members can use to contest these decisions.

• DOE Announces New Funding Opportunity

  Jun 2, 2021 — The DOE has announced a new funding opportunity for research to facilitate, streamline, and accelerate the translation of novel radioisotopes and their associated chelating agents and linker/ligands from the laboratory bench to evaluation for potential usage in clinical and pre-clinical trials.

• Celebrating Pride Month

  Jun 1, 2021 — SNMMI is proud to recognize and support our LGBTQ+ members with Pride Month celebrations throughout June! At SNMMI, we are committed to celebrating diversity and championing an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment that respects each member of our professional and patient community. We encourages all nuclear medicine and molecular imaging professionals to actively participate in these efforts.

• This Month in JNM

  Jun 1, 2021 — In June JNM: A discussion with Jonathan Allis … Featured: 68Ga-FAPI PET in PDAC … Optoacoustic imaging of GLP-1R … Editorial: Vaccine passports and the law … State of the Art: T.R.U.E. checklist … Hot Topics: ARTnet collaboration … CE: Intro to statistical concepts … Focus on MI: PARP-1 … and more.

• FDA Approves First Commercially Available PSMA PET Imaging Agent for Prostate Cancer

  May 27, 2021 — On May 27, the FDA approved a new imaging agent for detection of prostate cancer, providing a more effective imaging approach to detect the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. The agent is the first fluorinated PSMA agent approved by the FDA and also the first commercially available PSMA PET imaging agent.

• SNMMI & Partners Urge Congress to Support Medical Research in Infrastructure Legislation

  May 20, 2021 — With legislation under consideration to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure and bolster economic recovery, SNMMI and 228 other medical organizations have urged Congress to include investments in the infrastructure underpinning the medical research enterprise.

• NGS Agrees with SNMMI & Partners on PET/CT Reimbursement Changes

  May 18, 2021 — Earlier this week, SNMMI and our partners, ACR, ASNC, and ACC, heard good news from National Government Services medical director Stephen A. Boren, MD.

• SNMMI Statement: Additional Recommendations: COVID-19 Vaccination and FDG PET/CT

  May 12, 2021 — FDG-avid reactive lymphadenopathy on PET/CT has been reported in patients following COVID-19 vaccinations. SNMMI's COVID-19 Task Force makes additional recommendations based on new information.

• This Month in JNM

  May 11, 2021 — In May JNM: Challenges and Promise for Nuclear Medicine in Africa … State of the Art: PSMA PET for prostate cancer … CE: Evaluation of biomarker cut points … Hot Topics: Tau and cognition … Featured: Imaging therapeutic modulation of PD-L1 … Absolute Tc-99m pyrophosphate quantitation … and more.

• With Advent of New Treatments, PET Imaging Adds Valuable Information to Brain Metastasis Monitoring

  May 3, 2021 — For patients with brain metastases, amino acid PET can provide valuable information about the effectiveness of state-of-the-art treatments.

• SNMMI & Partners Urge Congress to Expand MPFS Relief into 2022

  Apr 28, 2021 — This week SNMMI and 62 organizations, representing more than one million healthcare providers, thanked Congress for past efforts on physician reimbursement and requested the inclusion of provisions to future legislation.

• A Partial Win: Humana Reverses PET/CT Non-Coverage Policy

  Apr 27, 2021 — Since November 2020, SNMMI has been in communications with Humana regarding its decision to deny coverage for PET/CT and SPECT/CT. Now the company has partially reversed its decision.

• Potential Vendors for Amino Acid Solution

  Apr 22, 2021 — SNMMI is aware that many therapy sites for Lu-177 PRRT are experiencing difficulty obtaining compounded amino acid solutions. If your site is affected, this list of compounding pharmacies may be suitable for your institution’s needs.

• New Radiotracer Safe and Effective for Imaging Early Rheumatoid Arthritis

  Apr 15, 2021 — New research shows that a novel PET tracer that targets inflammation is safe and can clearly identify early stages of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Medicare Sequester Moratorium Is Officially Extended

  Apr 15, 2021 — Yesterday, President Biden signed legislation extending the moratorium on Medicare sequestration. This occurred after the House passed the Medicare Sequester Relief Act late Tuesday, which extended mandated 2% Medicare cuts to healthcare providers until the end of the year.

• Reps. Peters and Rush Urge CMS for an OPPS Regulatory Fix

  Apr 12, 2021 — Last week, Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA 52nd District) and Bobby Rush (D-IL 1st District) sent a letter to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Acting Administrator Elizabeth Ritcher. The letter addressed their concerns regarding the current reimbursement methodology associated with diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals under the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS).

• JNMT: Information to Support Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic

  Mar 31, 2021 — Don’t miss these important articles in the latest issue of JNMT for essential information designed to help nuclear medicine professionals navigate the current COVID-19 environment!

• SNMMI Statement: The Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination on FDG PET/CT

  Mar 30, 2021 — FDG-avid reactive lymphadenopathy on PET/CT has been reported in patients following COVID-19 vaccinations. SNMMI's COVID-19 Task Force makes recommendations based on the currently available information.

• SNMMI & Partners Advocate for Additional Federal Funding for Scientific Research

  Mar 23, 2021 — Today, SNMMI and partner organizations sent a letter commending Reps. DeGette and Upton on the introduction of the the Research Investment to Spark the Economy (RISE) Act.

• SNMMI & Partners Advocate for Extension of Medicare Sequester Moratorium

  Mar 22, 2021 — Last week, SNMMI and its partners strongly urged Congress to pass H.R. 1868 to extend Medicare sequester moratorium through the end of 2021.

• New Treatment Proves More Effective and Less Toxic for Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients

  Mar 19, 2021 — A new treatment for late-stage neuroendocrine tumors has been found to be more effective and have fewer side effects than the current standard of care, according to research published in JNM.

• Immuno-PET Can Give Physicians Early Insight into Tumor Response to Targeted Therapy

  Mar 12, 2021 — Immuno-PET imaging can provide early insight into a tumor’s response to targeted therapy, allowing physicians to select the most effective treatment for patients who have cancer.

• MAC Update on Retirement of NCD for FDG PET Infection & Inflammation

  Mar 11, 2021 — Subsequent to the retirement by CMS of the NCD for the non-coverage of FDG PET for infection and inflammation, in the absence of a MAC Local Coverage Determination, National Coverage Determination, or CMS Manual Instruction, reasonable and necessary guidelines apply.

• NCCI Implements Some of SNMMI's Proposed Changes to PTP Edits

  Mar 4, 2021 — On March 1, 2021, CMS' National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) implemented several Procedure to Procedure (PTP) edits proposed by SNMMI for several of the new and revised CPT codes. These edits are retroactively effective January 1, 2020.

• SNMMI & Coalition Partners Gather to Discuss the Importance of Providing Access to Advanced Nuclear Imaging Procedures

  Mar 3, 2021 — SNMMI, with MITA and CORAR, hosted a virtual briefing with physicians, patients, and industry representatives. Discussions centered on the need to provide patient access to innovative nuclear diagnostics and the growing role of PET, SPECT, and nuclear medicine in detecting life-threatening diseases.

• SNMMI Journals Unveil New Website and Social Media Sites

  Mar 2, 2021 — In an effort to provide the most up-to-date information to readers and the medical community, SNMMI journals have launched several new features that make it easy to access the latest nuclear medicine and molecular imaging research.

• CMS Retires National Non-Coverage Policy for FDG PET Infection and Inflammation

  Mar 1, 2021 — Since 2008, CMS has not covered PET for imaging of infection and inflammation. Now that has changed.

• This Month in JNM

  Mar 1, 2021 — In March JNM: Discussion with Hong Wu … FAPI review … Phantom preparation … Nuclear medicine in hyperthyroidism … Melanoma imaging and therapy … Featured: uPAR PET/MRI in prostate cancer … Immuno-PET and response to therapy … and more.

• SNMMI & Partners Urge Congress to Waive Budget Neutrality for MPFS Beyond 2021

  Feb 23, 2021 — SNMMI and 74 other organizations urged legislators to consider additional policy options in the year ahead to address shortcomings in physician reimbursement.

• CMS Confirms HOPPS Payment Rate Error for CERIANNA™ (Fluoroestradiol F-18) Injection

  Feb 22, 2021 — SNMMI has been working with Zionexa to seek proper Medicare reimbursement for Cerianna, radiolabeled 18F-fluoroestradiol indicated for use with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for detection of estrogen receptor–positive lesions as an adjunct to biopsy in patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. As of January 2021, the HOPPS published rate for this product is incorrect.

• Molecular Imaging Determines Effectiveness of Novel Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment

  Feb 16, 2021 — Molecular imaging can successfully predict response to a novel treatment for ER-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer patients who are resistant to hormonal therapy, according to research published in the February issue of JNM.

• Detectnet™ (Copper Cu-64 Dotatate Injection) Gets a New HCPCS Level II Code

  Feb 10, 2021 — Recently, the Centers of Medicare and Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) granted Detectnet™ a HCPCS Level II Code, A9592 (copper cu-64, dotatate, diagnostic, 1 millicurie), effective April 1, 2021.

• Read the Latest Issue of the Value Initiative Newsletter

  Feb 9, 2021 — In the latest issue of the Value Initiative Newsletter, you'll learn more about how SNMMI is harnessing the power of collaboration to advance the field. Plus, read great articles from Value Initiative Industry Alliance Partners and new Transformative Leadership Circle members.

• Joint Radionuclide Therapy-Immunotherapy Approach Effective in Prostate Cancer Model

  Feb 6, 2021 — A combination of radionuclide therapy and immunotherapy has proven successful in slowing the progression of prostate cancer and increasing survival time, according to new research published in the February issue of JNM.

• NIST Funding Opportunity: Research Grant Programs

  Feb 3, 2021 — The National Institute of Standards and Technology is soliciting applications for financial assistance for FY21 within 12 Measurement Science and Engineering research grant programs.

• SNMMI 2021 Annual Meeting Goes Virtual

  Jan 30, 2021 — As the highest priority is the health and safety of everyone involved in our meeting, the decision has been made to transition the SNMMI 2021 Annual Meeting to a fully virtual event.

• NRC Unveils Patient Educational Video on Radioactive Drug Therapy

  Jan 26, 2021 — Last week, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced the release of the video, “Staying Safe While Getting Better, Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones While Taking Radioactive Drugs.”

• Expanded PET Imaging Time Window Adds Convenience and Flexibility for Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients

  Jan 20, 2021 — The imaging time window of 64Cu-DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms can be expanded from 1 hour to 3 hours post-injection, according to new research published in JNM.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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-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.

• 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.

• 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."

• 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.

• 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!

• 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.