| News for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging professionals |  |
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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.
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SNM SmartBrief Special Report:
A preview of the SNM Annual Meeting |
| This year's SNM Annual Meeting, to be held June 9-13 in Miami Beach, Fla., promises to be engaging, exciting and historic. This special issue of the SNM SmartBrief explores some highlights of the meeting along with a sampling of the latest developments in nuclear and molecular medicine. Look for full coverage of the conference in the daily SNM SmartBrief and a special edition on June 20. |
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The latest clinical developments
 The SNM Annual Meeting features a variety of oral and poster presentations, plus a special poster mixer on Sunday night sponsored by the Radiopharmaceutical Sciences Council and the Center for Molecular Imaging Innovation and Translation. Learn more and browse topics with SNM's meeting planning tool.     
- Study: SPECT/CT improves treatment for thyroid cancer
SPECT/CT improved postsurgical staging in 21% of thyroid cancer patients, changed the treatment plan for 36% of them and prevented unneeded radiation treatment in 20% of patients without cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine. Results on scans conducted before radioiodine treatment also allowed for modification of sodium iodide I-131 treatment in 58% of patients, the study said. The findings indicate that SPECT/CT as part of postoperative care can help guide treatment plans involving radioiodine therapy, as well as aid in the long-term strategy for patients, researchers said. AuntMinnie.com (free registration)
(5/3)
- Tracer, SPECT 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)
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 | Astellas is proud to be a Silver Level Sponsor of SNM 2012. We are committed to SNM, to nuclear cardiology healthcare professionals, and to their patients. Find out more at www.astellasevents.com. |
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| Imaging in Practice | | |
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Learning at SNM: There's something for everyone
This year's conference offers dozens of opportunities to brush up on key topics and technologies in nuclear and molecular medicine and acquire CME and SAM credits. There are sessions geared toward physicians and scientists, technologists and those with a special interest in molecular imaging topics. Some highlights:
- Dopamine transporter imaging
- Hybrid nuclear-MRI technologies
- Dose optimization
- Multimodality breast imaging
- Hybrid imaging of inflammation and infection
- Molecular imaging in Alzheimer's disease
- Organized medicine fights back against overuse.
Will the health care system and patients follow?
 Medical organizations have spent years churning out recommendations for what physicians should do, which is why a recent campaign to cut back on 45 common tests and therapies was so notable, writes Dr. H. Gilbert Welch of the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice. The recently launched Choosing Wisely campaign is supported by SNM. While Welch argues guidance against overuse should not be needed, he says the problem is not bad physicians. "The truth is there are many forces that push us to do more," he writes, including performance measures, legal concerns and patients' belief that the best care means the most care. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model)
(5/2)
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Join Astellas at SNM 2012
Visit Astellas booth #601 and practice your putt. Challenge yourself and your colleagues in our A2A Masters mini golf video game. Return each day to play an exciting new 3-hole course. Visit www.astellasevents.com. |
| The Best of SNM | | |
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The Henry N. Wagner, Jr. Lectureship:
Molecular Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disease
Dr. Kirk Frey will highlight translational molecular approaches to imaging vulnerable neurons, protein depositions and glucose metabolism that are or will be available as biomarkers of neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and related disorders. His talk is scheduled for Sunday, June 10.
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Technologist plenary session: A patient's perspective
On Sunday, June 10, author and cancer survivor Betsy de Parry shares her talk "Guiding the Journey: Helping Patients Through Illness," offering insight into the experience of illness and sharing specific steps to help clinicians improve the lives of patients.
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Key topics, key experts: The Cassen Lectureship
Can't-miss events on Monday, June 11, include the society business meeting and the Cassen Lectureship:
- "Unparalleled Contributions of FDG-PET Imaging to Medicine" will be presented by Dr. Abass Alavi.
- "Molecular Imaging and Therapy in Advanced Prostate and Thyroid Cancer" will be presented by Dr. Steven Larson.
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Weigh in on SNM's proposed name change: At the SNM business meeting, the society will take a historic vote on a proposed name change. In January of this year, the SNM House of Delegates backed a proposal to rename the society the "Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging." Find out if you are a voting member of SNM by contacting memberservices@snm.org.
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Kick back with colleagues
There are a variety of social events planned throughout the event including one last party hosted by SNMTS and sponsored by the SNM Annual Meeting Exhibitors. All attendees are invited to join their colleagues for an oceanfront party with carnival games, live music and more at 9 p.m. June 12. Other highlights include the first-timer's orientation on June 10 and the welcome reception at 6 p.m. June 9. Learn more here and check out the preliminary program.
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Stay up to date with SNM during the annual meeting
Get the latest news and join the conversation on SNM's social networking sites. We're on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!
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There's still time!
Early-bird deadlines have passed, but it's still possible to register for the SNM Annual Meeting online or by mail, and you can still sign up for Virtual Meeting access.
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| | Recent SNM SmartBrief Issues:
- Tuesday, May 22, 2012
- Monday, May 21, 2012
- Friday, May 18, 2012
- Thursday, May 17, 2012
- Wednesday, May 16, 2012
| | | Lead Editor: Melissa Turner
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Regional Medical Imaging in Flint, Mich., was an early qualifier for federal meaningful use incentives. In this podcast, Dr. Randy Hicks and Chief Information Officer Carrie Berlin talk about the benefits their practice has seen and offer advice for other practices. 
