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May 11, 2012

News for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging professionals

The news summaries appearing in SNM SmartBrief are based on original information from multiple internet sources and are produced by SmartBrief, Inc., an independent e-mail newsletter publisher. The items below are not selected or reviewed by SNM prior to publication. Questions and comments may be directed to SmartBrief at snm@smartbrief.com.

Top Story

SNM: New agents could be game-changers for research, medicine
The FDA's approval of Alzheimer's imaging agent florbetapir and the growing list of similar agents in development positions the industry to have a greater impact on the diagnosis and management of the disease, according to SNM. These agents could advance clinical research and trials, the group said. "We are hopeful that this will set the stage for the approval of the many other molecular imaging agents for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other neurological diseases that are currently in clinical trials," said SNM President Dr. George Segall. Diagnostic Imaging (5/9)

Clinical News & Research

New tracer, SPECT scans can detect lung cancer, study finds
The new SPECT imaging agent 99mTc-3PRGD2 can effectively pinpoint the integrin xvB3 receptor, which is expressed on numerous types of cells in lung cancer tumors, according to a study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine. Researchers found the method had 88% sensitivity in semiquantitative analysis and 93% to 97% sensitivity in visual analysis that included evaluation of necrosis, volume effect and metastasis. The tracer is more accessible than 18F-labeled agents and could also be used in assessing breast cancer and brain metastasis from lung cancer, researchers said. MolecularImaging.net (5/10)

PET helps measure cardiac arrest risk from heart denervation
Researchers using PET imaging discovered that when at least 38% of the heart has lost nerve function, there is a higher chance of cardiac arrest. The findings could help identify candidates for implantable cardiac defibrillators, according to the study presented at a heart meeting. Diagnostic Imaging (5/10)

Industry Report

BC Technical acquires Consus Medical Imaging
BC Technical, a provider of refurbished molecular imaging devices, has acquired Consus Medical Imaging in a bid to expand its operations in the Southeast. AuntMinnie.com (free registration) (5/10)

Alliance Health becomes part of Choosing Wisely campaign
Alliance Health has became part of the Choosing Wisely initiative, which aims to reduce the use of unnecessary health tests. Alliance Health will raise awareness about the campaign through its dozens of health-centric social networks. AuntMinnie.com (free registration) (5/10)

News from the Field

Pioneer researcher Michael Welch dies
Radiochemist Michael Welch has died at age 72. Welch was considered a global leader in radiopharmaceutical chemistry and was known for developing imaging agents for brain blood flow and cancer. His family plans to set up an organization that will support nuclear medicine research. AuntMinnie.com (free registration) (5/10)

Featured Content

Health Policy

Mass. lawmakers launch bill to control health care spending
Leaders in the Massachusetts Senate are introducing a bill that aims to align medical care spending in the state with growth in the state economy. The lawmakers believe the bill will lead to health care savings of more than $150 billion over the next 15 years. The Boston Globe/The Associated Press (tiered subscription model) (5/9)

Advancing Health Care

HHS releases rules on hospital reporting, e-prescribing
HHS has released final rules on reporting specifications for hospitals and e-prescribing. The rules took into account data gathered from health care providers, patient advocates, professional groups, accreditation organizations and Congress, acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner said in a statement. Modern Healthcare (subscription required) (5/10)

From SNM

The proven performance booster: "Steves' Review of Nuclear Medicine Technology"
Get instant access to 200 self-evaluation questions, plus essential content on CT and PET in the new Steves' Review of Nuclear Medicine Technology, 4th edition. This detailed overview of nuclear medicine technology — updated and expanded to cover patient care, instrumentation, nuclear oncology, electrocardiography, interventional drugs and new therapeutic agents — is complemented by hundreds of self-evaluation questions and answers mirroring the structure of national certification examinations. Learn more.

SNM Deal of the Month: Save 32% off "CT Case Review" online lecture combo
Take advantage of this great combo and save more than 32% vs. buying each lecture individually. Lectures include: Abdomen/Pelvis - Cases 14-25, Abdomen/ Pelvis - Cases 39-50, Abdomen/Pelvis - Cases 90-100, Chest - Cases 1-13, Chest - Cases 26-38, Chest - Cases 77-89, Head/Neck - Cases 51-63, and Head/Neck - Cases 64-76! Take advantage of this great offer today.

SmartQuote

When I was a young man, I observed that nine out of 10 things I did were failures. I didn't want to be a failure, so I did 10 times more work."

--George Bernard Shaw,
Irish playwright

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