Reston, VA (January 2, 2026)—The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM), a leading publication by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, has released new research ahead-of-print. This international organization is dedicated to advancing the fields of nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics, which allow for precision medicine tailored to individual patients for optimal outcomes. The latest studies reveal groundbreaking findings across various medical disciplines.
Advancements in Vascular and Thyroid Cancer Imaging
Diagnosing inflammation in large blood vessels presents significant challenges, particularly when standard tests yield normal results. A recent study introduced a new PET imaging tracer targeting an inflammation-related protein. This tracer was compared with conventional scans and blood analyses, offering improved detection and measurement of vascular inflammation in both patients and healthy volunteers.
Meanwhile, the treatment of metastatic thyroid cancer has been enhanced through a personalized approach. Researchers explored combining radioactive iodine with external-beam radiation, utilizing imaging and patient-specific calculations. This method aims to safely deliver tumor-killing radiation, especially in patients with low iodine uptake, marking a significant step forward in thyroid cancer treatment.
Innovations in Cancer Detection and Treatment
A novel monoclonal antibody targeting GUCY2C, a receptor found on colorectal cancer cells, has been developed. Labeled with radioactive and fluorescent tracers, this antibody not only facilitated high-contrast PET imaging but also guided surgeons during operations. Preclinical models demonstrated that it significantly slowed tumor growth, highlighting its potential for both detection and treatment.
In the realm of lymphoma, researchers examined CD70 as a potential treatment target. A CD70-targeted PET/CT scan was tested in patients, revealing that most lymphoma samples expressed CD70. This new imaging method clearly highlighted tumors, performed as well as standard FDG scans, and improved detection in challenging areas like the brain.
Personalizing Cancer Treatments
Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers often employs uniform doses, despite varying tumor behaviors. A study tested a personalized approach, using two PET scans to map tumor activity and oxygen levels, allowing for tailored radiation doses. The results indicated that highly targeted plans could be delivered safely and effectively.
For patients with cirrhosis, indeterminate liver findings frequently lead to repeated scans or biopsies. A prospective study introduced a PSMA-targeted PET/MRI approach, demonstrating its ability to more accurately distinguish early liver cancer from benign lesions compared to MRI alone.
Artificial Intelligence and New Imaging Techniques
An international challenge assessed whether AI models trained on one PET/CT dataset could detect tumors across diverse settings. Seventeen teams evaluated automated lesion segmentation, revealing strong performance in familiar data but notable drops in new clinical scenarios. This highlights the potential and limitations of AI in medical imaging.
High-dose vitamin C is being explored as a cancer treatment, though not all tumors respond equally. Researchers used a novel PET tracer to visualize vitamin C uptake across 23 cancer types, revealing significant differences between tumors and between primary and metastatic disease.
Enhancing Treatment Response Predictions
Anti-TNF therapy for rheumatoid arthritis can take months to show results, with variable patient responses. A study tested a macrophage-targeting PET/CT scan before and after treatment, indicating that early imaging signals in joints closely tracked disease activity months later. This could help clinicians assess treatment effectiveness sooner.
Tracking immune cells, particularly macrophages, in living patients has been challenging. A first-in-human study tested a copper-labeled nanoparticle PET tracer, which proved safe and predictable, accumulating in macrophage-rich sites such as tumors and sarcoidosis.
Precision in Prostate and Liver Cancer Treatments
Accurately targeting recurrent prostate cancer post-surgery is crucial for effective salvage radiotherapy. A study analyzed PSMA PET/CT scans of post-prostatectomy patients, revealing that many recurrences extend beyond areas covered by standard clinical guidelines. Integrating PSMA PET/CT could help better define treatment volumes and reduce missed tumor regions.
In liver cancer, researchers identified TSPAN8, a protein highly expressed on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. A PET radiotracer developed to bind TSPAN8 accumulated in tumors in mouse models, showing promise for targeted imaging and therapy.
Optimizing Radiotherapy with New Insights
Targeted alpha therapy, which kills cancer cells with high-energy radiation, may depend on the radioactive particle’s landing spot inside a cell. A study demonstrated that directing α-emitters closer to DNA increases cell killing, offering insights to optimize therapies against both microscopic and larger tumors.
Comparing PET and SPECT for precision cancer imaging, researchers found that PET provides higher resolution and more accurate activity measurements. SPECT performance varied by isotope, underscoring the importance of choosing the right imaging method and isotope for targeted therapy planning.
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