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February 20, 2013

News for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging professionals

The news summaries appearing in SNMMI 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 SNMMI prior to publication. Questions and comments may be directed to SmartBrief at snmmi@smartbrief.com.

Top Story

FDA grants Bayer accelerated review for radium-223 dichloride
The FDA has given priority review status to Bayer's radium-223 dichloride, used to treat prostate cancer. The designation will cut several months from the usual review timeline. The company is seeking approval for use of the drug in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer that has spread to bone. Fox Business/Dow Jones Newswires (2/13) , OncLive (2/13)

Clinical News & Research

Nuclear medicine physician recognized for groundbreaking research
Dr. Nasima Akhter, senior medical officer at Dhaka Medical College's Center for Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound in Bangladesh, was one of five biological researchers honored at the American Association for the Advancement of Science's annual meeting. Akhter's work focuses on the use of nuchal translucency-based testing to detect congenital abnormalities during the first three months of pregnancy. Akhter is also exploring the use of inactive iodine therapy combined with radioiodine in treating Graves' disease. AuntMinnie.com (free registration) (2/19)

Industry Report

RefleXion uses cloud system to accelerate device development
RefleXion Medical said the use of CliQr's CloudCenter platform allowed it to conduct cancer treatment simulations overnight instead of over the usual two to three weeks. RefleXion is developing a PET-guided radiation-therapy system for tumor treatment. Company officials hope the faster simulations will help it bring the system to market sooner. With the simulations, "we can have a very good sense of how our device is going to perform when it's treating patients," said Akshay Nanduri, RefleXion co-founder and vice president of business development. eWeek (2/19)

News from the Field

Navix, Yankee Alliance team up to expand cardiovascular imaging
Navix has entered a deal with Yankee Alliance that will allow about 100 acute care hospitals and some 12,600 member organizations in the Yankee network to broaden or establish cardiovascular imaging programs. Navix offers diagnostic services including nuclear medicine. AuntMinnie.com (free registration) (2/19)

International Developments

Swedish university opts for virtual dissection of bodies
Orebro University in Sweden has started using visualization tables from Sectra for virtual dissection of bodies. The visualization tool allows for interaction with and navigation of 3D images of the body generated from imaging scans. HealthImaging.com (2/19)

Health Policy

FDA issues draft guidance on third-party device review program
The FDA has released draft guidance on changes to its program to accredit third-party entities to review certain medical device applications. The draft guidance, based on the International Medical Device Regulators Forum's proposal to create a unified program for medtech auditors, covers compliance with the FDA Safety and Innovation Act, including a provision regarding third-party firm accreditation. Firms must seek reaccreditation every three years. Clinica (subscription required) (2/19)

Proposed rule would streamline provider regulations, cut costs
CMS has issued a proposed rule that streamlines health care provider requirements and makes changes to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, reforms the agency said may help providers save $676 million a year. Comments on the proposed rule, which would also affect other policy areas, will be accepted until April 8. Health Industry Washington Watch blog (2/18)

Advancing Health Care

ONC voluntary guidelines for HIE will be issued in coming months
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT will release voluntary guidelines for health information exchange in the first half of 2013. The guidelines, given instead of a formal rule, will allow for feedback and sharing of best practices in the health care community. The ONC will update guidelines periodically in an effort to "get something out to reduce uncertainty and let people know what we're thinking," said ONC policy analyst Steve Posnack. HealthCareInfoSecurity.com (2/15)

From SNMMI

SNMMI's 2013 Annual Meeting offers more than 100 CE sessions
Essential by Design! With more than 100 CE sessions available, the latest research across all modalities, presentations from leading experts, countless networking opportunities and one of the largest exhibit halls in the profession, the SNMMI Annual Meeting is your one stop for learning and networking. Register today and be part of the premier educational and scientific event in nuclear and molecular imaging.

Special symposium: Photons Across Medicine — April 15, 2013
Join SNMMI for a special symposium on the use of photons across medical imaging, taking place during the Optics in the Life Sciences Congress, April 14-18 in Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii. During this congress, you'll explore the latest advances in molecular probe development, life science imaging, novel and more powerful optical instrumentation and its application to study fundamental biological processes. Clinical investigations will be presented. Register today.

SmartQuote

We must travel in the direction of our fear."

--John Berryman,
American poet and scholar

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