PET/CT imaging identified low bone mineral density in 65% of patients under age 65 with breast cancer, according to a study in the journal Clinical Breast Cancer. "Although not currently employed as a primary screening tool for osteoporosis, PET/CT enables opportunistic assessment of vertebral [Hounsfield units], which correlates strongly with [bone mineral density] and fracture risk," researchers said.

A new PET technique may improve disease imaging by measuring the lifetime of positronium atoms, potentially offering more detailed information about cancer and other diseases. The technique, developed by physicist Paweł Moskal, is being studied by researchers around the world, including at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Bern and the National Institute of Radiological Sciences in Japan.

Researchers used autoradiography and histological imaging to achieve better activity localization and microscale dosimetry in alpha-emitter radiopharmaceutical therapy, according to a study in Scientific Reports. "Our approach provides a framework for investigating spatial radiobiology with improved accuracy, which is essential for optimizing radiopharmaceutical design and treatment planning," the authors wrote.

The Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is adding clinical trials in theranostics to expand treatment options for patients with prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors and other cancers. The school's Center for Quantitative Cancer Imaging will become the Center for Quantitative Cancer Imaging and Theranostics.

The FDA cleared Hermes Medical Solutions' updated Hermia Voxel Dosimetry software for estimating radiation doses in nuclear medicine studies. The software features semiautomatic organ segmentation using a machine learning algorithm and other improvements.

Patient portals can strengthen the clinician-patient connection, but 68% of clinicians responding to a Harris Poll survey reported feeling overwhelmed by the volume of portal messages they receive. Some clinicians and health systems have begun billing for responses to patient queries that require significant time and expertise.

The VA's Office of Inspector General reports a rise in severe staffing shortages at Veterans Health Administration facilities, affecting roles like doctors, nurses and psychologists. Ninety-four percent of facilities reported a shortage for medical officer occupations that include doctors, while 79% reported shortages for nurses.

The CDC's new Core Elements of Hospital Diagnostic Excellence offers guidance for optimizing diagnostic processes to reduce unnecessary tests, promote diagnostic stewardship and prevent incorrect diagnoses. The guidance centers on six core elements, including leadership and accountability, engagement, and tracking and reporting. Three actions are needed to reach diagnostic excellence, according to the guidance: stewardship, developing strong processes and systems, and learning from diagnostic errors.

The HHS Office for Civil Rights released new guidance on HIPAA Privacy Rule rights of access that includes FAQs clarifying existing rules, particularly for value-based care disclosures and what constitutes a designated record set. Legal experts say the guidance doesn't introduce new regulations and aims to reduce confusion among stakeholders.

The latest edition of QuickScan, the SNMMI patient newsletter, is now live! Recap our Patient Education Day, discover new research and FDA approvals, and learn about one patient’s experience with thyroid cancer. Read it here.