A supplement to the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology highlights the expanding role of nuclear medicine technologists in theranostics. The supplement covers areas such as clinical practices, advocacy, education, technology, equity, tumor biology and new frontiers in the field.

Ensure streamlined communication by:
• Coordinating MRI and infusion schedules
• Detailing clear MRI reports, specifying ARIA presence
• Providing opportunities for follow-up discussions
• Proactively engaging with other providers
Standardize MRI reporting and infusion-site coordination. Learn more

Research presented at the RSNA annual meeting found TVR-PET/CT with gallium-68 trivehexin may lead to better lesion detection in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. It identified 92% of lesions, compared with 74% using standard technetium-99m sestamibi SPECT . This imaging method is effective for small lesions, potentially making it a valuable tool in challenging cases.

A study published in Scientific Reports found that early and late 18F-FAPI-04 PET/CT imaging were comparable for diagnosing breast cancer. The research involving 40 patients showed that both imaging times provided clear visualization of lesions with significant uptake differences between breast cancer and benign lesions. Early imaging was found to be more patient-friendly and had the potential to simplify clinical workflows.

Radiopharmaceuticals are a promising frontier in oncology through the delivery of targeted radiation to tumors with minimal systemic toxicity, according to Dr. Eftychia Koumarianou, head of the Pharmaco-Imaging and Molecular Radiotherapy Department at Oncodesign Services.

"Beyond their clinical promise, radiopharmaceuticals are also opening new strategic opportunities, particularly through repurposing previously shelved or failed oncology molecules," Koumarianou said. "Many compounds that faltered in traditional drug development because of toxicity, or suboptimal pharmacokinetics, or limited efficacy can find a second life as precision delivery vehicles for radionuclides. Molecular recycling could transform the economics and innovation of oncology drug discovery."

mlHealth 360 has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for its Scaida BrainCT-ICH software, an AI-powered tool that assists radiologists in triaging cases of suspected intracranial hemorrhages. The system, which is not intended for primary diagnostic interpretation, analyzes noncontrast head CT scans.

A research letter published in JAMA Network Open estimates that 13.5 billion milliliters of contrast media were used for 169 million advanced imaging exams for Medicare beneficiaries from 2011 to 2024. Use increased annually, except for a dip during the pandemic, with a 5.2% increase for iodinated agents and 3.5% for gadolinium agents from 2014 to 2019. The study looks at the environmental impact of contrast agents, which are pollutants that can enter water systems.

The National University of Singapore's Clinical Imaging Research Centre and Cyclotek are partnering to improve radiopharmaceutical development and clinical trials across Singapore and the ASEAN region. The collaboration aims to increase access to investigational medicinal products, strengthen supply resilience and translate promising radiopharmaceuticals into clinical practice.

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has proposed raising the 2027 Medicare physician reimbursement rate by 0.5% over current law. Most commission members support the draft recommendation, but some said it would amount to a pay cut. The commission also discussed expanding site-neutral payments, with some members expressing interest in the idea.

A Gallup poll found that the Affordable Care Act has reached a record high approval rating of 57%, with 35% disapproval. This surge is primarily driven by independents, 63% of whom now support the ACA. While Democratic and Republican support has slightly declined, the issue has gained prominence amid a government shutdown, with discussions on extending ACA subsidies at the forefront.