Dr. Ulaner currently holds the James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair of Molecular Imaging and Therapy at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute and serves as a Professor of Radiology and Translational Genomics at the University of Southern California. His multifaceted roles underscore a career dedicated to the integration of molecular imaging technologies and translational research, aligning with the broader goals of personalized medicine and precision oncology. His background exemplifies the merger of academic rigor and clinical application crucial for advancing this rapidly evolving field.

Nuclear medicine, a specialty focused on the use of radioactive substances in diagnosis and therapy, stands at the forefront of precision medicine innovation. The role of the president-elect extends beyond administrative leadership; it includes championing initiatives that fortify research infrastructures, expand educational platforms, and secure funding to nurture the next generation of radiochemistry and nuclear physics professionals. Dr. Ulaner’s vision emphasizes a holistic advancement, where technological innovation dovetails with workforce development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Ulaner’s academic foundation was established at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he earned both his MD and PhD in Cancer Biology. His post-doctoral training involved rigorous residencies in Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Southern California. This robust training has empowered him with a unique perspective that bridges molecular imaging technology, radiopharmaceutical development, and clinical oncology, driving impactful translational research.

Before his current tenure at Hoag Family Cancer Institute, Dr. Ulaner was an Associate Member on a tenure track at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center—a leading institution in cancer research and treatment. At MSK, he developed significant academic and clinical roles that contributed to the institution’s pioneering work in PET imaging and molecular diagnostics. His professional credentials are further reinforced by certifications from the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Nuclear Medicine, underscoring his specialized expertise.

Within the SNMMI, Dr. Ulaner has been an active and influential member, occupying vital leadership positions such as director at large on the board of directors, president of the PET Center of Excellence, and chair of the Mars Shot Campaign—a bold initiative aimed at advancing nuclear medicine research. His multifaceted involvement signals his commitment to driving SNMMI’s strategic objectives, including the formulation of standards, educational outreach, and advocacy for nuclear medicine’s value in clinical practice.

His scholarly contributions are substantial, with over 190 journal articles and more than 300 invited presentations. Dr. Ulaner has contributed to seminal guidelines such as SNMMI’s Appropriate Use Criteria for Fluoroestradiol PET, setting standards that influence clinical decision-making globally. His editorial roles and authorship of textbooks like “Fundamentals of Oncologic PET/CT” demonstrate his dedication to disseminating knowledge and fostering an educated workforce proficient in advanced imaging modalities.

The Mars Shot Campaign, under Dr. Ulaner’s leadership, exemplifies a visionary approach to accelerating research and innovation within nuclear medicine. This initiative targets critical translational gaps, funding high-impact projects that aim to develop novel radiopharmaceuticals and imaging technologies with the potential to revolutionize diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy. Such efforts are crucial in overcoming existing limitations related to imaging biomarkers and personalized treatment monitoring.

Dr. Ulaner’s dedication to education and training extends beyond research innovation. He actively advocates for expanding educational opportunities for nuclear medicine professionals—technologists, clinicians, physicists, and radiochemists—recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of the field. This approach is vital for sustaining a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of molecular imaging and theranostics, transforming patient outcomes in oncology and other disease domains.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ulaner has garnered numerous accolades, including the Susan G. Komen Career Catalyst Award and the Department of Defense Breakthrough Award. His recognition as a Distinguished Investigator by the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research and as a healthcare visionary highlights both his scientific contributions and leadership qualities. Such honors reflect his role as a catalyst for innovation at the interface of cancer biology, imaging science, and clinical oncology.

The SNMMI’s election of new officers alongside Dr. Ulaner—Heather Jacene, MD as president and Jason S. Lewis, PhD as vice president-elect—illustrates a leadership cohort poised to navigate the next frontier of nuclear medicine. Their collective expertise underscores the society’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research, expanding educational horizons, and enhancing policy frameworks to elevate the role of molecular imaging in modern medicine.

As president-elect, Dr. Ulaner’s agenda will involve steering the SNMMI to harness the full potential of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging technologies. These advancements promise not only to enhance the early detection and characterization of malignancies but also to optimize individualized therapy through theranostics—combining targeted diagnostics with personalized treatment regimens. This paradigm shift aligns closely with contemporary trends aimed at achieving superior patient outcomes through precision health strategies.

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging remains at the vanguard of scientific and medical innovation, dedicated to advancing nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics worldwide. Dr. Ulaner’s ascension to the role of president-elect represents a pivotal moment in reinforcing the society’s mission. His leadership is expected to invigorate research efforts, expand educational initiatives, and advocate for policies that solidify the critical role of molecular imaging in the healthcare continuum, driving transformative advances for patients globally.

Subject of Research:
Nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics with a focus on oncologic PET/CT and translational genomics in cancer care.

Article Title:
Gary Ulaner, MD, PhD, Named President-Elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Heralding New Era in Molecular Imaging and Theranostics

News Publication Date:
June 7, 2026

Web References:
http://www.snmmi.org/

Image Credits:
Courtesy of SNMMI

Keywords:
Molecular imaging, Nuclear medicine, Positron emission tomography (PET), Personalized medicine, Theranostics, Oncology imaging, Radiopharmaceuticals, Translational genomics, SNMMI, PET/CT, Radiochemistry, Molecular diagnostics

TNBC is notoriously difficult to detect and treat due to its significant heterogeneity. Unlike breast cancers driven primarily by hormone receptors or HER2 expression, TNBC encompasses a complex array of molecular subtypes, each with distinct characteristics and clinical outcomes. This diversity complicates the development of universal diagnostic markers and targeted therapies. Noninvasive imaging techniques capable of accurately identifying and characterizing the wide spectrum of TNBC tumors remain elusive, severely limiting precision medicine approaches for these patients.

In response to this challenge, a team led by experts at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center devised an innovative strategy centered on the tumor microenvironment rather than tumor cell markers alone. They focused on extra domain A of fibronectin (EDA-FN), a splice variant of the fibronectin protein abundantly and stably expressed within the extracellular matrix of many aggressive tumors, including TNBC. The consistent presence of EDA-FN in the tumor stroma across diverse subtypes makes it an attractive target to circumvent the heterogeneity that stymies conventional markers.

The researchers engineered a monoclonal antibody-based radiotracer, designated [^89Zr]Zr-DFO-F8, designed to selectively bind EDA-FN. By labeling this antibody with Zirconium-89, a positron-emitting isotope suitable for PET imaging, the team created a tracer capable of delivering high-resolution, quantitative images of EDA-FN distribution in vivo. This molecular imaging agent was rigorously evaluated through a series of in vitro assays and preclinical in vivo models that represent multiple TNBC subtypes, assessing its specificity, binding affinity, and tumor uptake.

In vitro studies confirmed the high specificity and blockable binding of [^89Zr]Zr-DFO-F8 to EDA-FN, demonstrating that the tracer interacts precisely with its intended target without significant off-target effects. Subsequently, in vivo experiments utilizing various xenograft models implanted subcutaneously and orthotopically within murine hosts revealed robust accumulation of the tracer within tumors expressing elevated levels of EDA-FN. Notably, tracer uptake correlated strongly with the degree of EDA-FN expression and tumor aggressiveness, underscoring its utility as a marker of malignant potential.

This imaging modality transcends traditional tumor cell–centric approaches by exploiting the tumor’s extracellular matrix, thereby bypassing the variability of surface markers inherent to tumor cells themselves. The results herald a paradigm shift in the nuclear medicine field, positioning extracellular matrix components as reliable, broadly applicable targets for cancer imaging. Consequently, [^89Zr]Zr-DFO-F8 has the potential not only to detect TNBC earlier and more accurately but also to guide precision therapy by identifying patients who might benefit from stromal-targeted treatments or monitoring therapeutic efficacy dynamically.

“This approach represents a significant stride toward overcoming the tumor heterogeneity that has impeded effective imaging in triple-negative breast cancer,” remarked Dr. Jason Lewis, the study’s senior investigator. “By focusing on a stable, abundant extracellular protein like EDA-FN, we open avenues for more universal diagnostic tools that can address the diversity and complexity of TNBC,” Lewis explained. The tracer’s ability to visualize tumor microenvironment components rather than relying solely on tumor cells broadens the applicability of such imaging agents across a spectrum of hard-to-target cancers.

Beyond diagnostic applications, the [^89Zr]Zr-DFO-F8 tracer may facilitate personalized treatment planning. Imaging results can inform clinicians about tumor invasiveness and stromal composition, essential parameters that influence therapeutic responses. By enabling longitudinal monitoring of tumor microenvironment alterations during treatment, this imaging technique provides a noninvasive means to evaluate effectiveness and adapt regimens in real time, arguably enhancing patient outcomes and fostering more rationalized clinical decisions.

The research team employed several preclinical TNBC models to comprehensively validate their tracer. These models encompassed diverse molecular profiles, ensuring that the imaging agent’s utility would not be limited to a narrow subset of TNBC. Remarkably, EDA-FN targeting by [^89Zr]Zr-DFO-F8 succeeded across all tested models, highlighting the robust and ubiquitous nature of this extracellular matrix marker. Such broad-spectrum applicability is a critical feature enabling this technology to have widespread clinical influence.

While many current molecular imaging probes target tumor-specific receptors or antigens, issues with variable expression and rapid mutation limit their long-term clinical utility, particularly in heterogeneous diseases like TNBC. [^89Zr]Zr-DFO-F8 circumvents these challenges by homing in on stromal proteins that are less prone to genetic alterations and provide a stable target environment. This strategy aligns with the evolving appreciation of the tumor microenvironment’s role in cancer progression and resistance, offering new vistas for theranostic development.

Looking ahead, ongoing work aims to translate these promising findings into human clinical trials. Critical questions remain regarding tracer pharmacokinetics, dosimetry, safety profiles, and imaging protocols. Nevertheless, the preclinical data position [^89Zr]Zr-DFO-F8 as a frontrunner in the quest for universal TNBC imaging agents. The successful clinical implementation of this technology could substantially improve the landscape for one of the most difficult breast cancer subtypes, ultimately enhancing survival and quality of life for patients worldwide.

This research exemplifies the power of multidisciplinary collaboration, integrating molecular biology, radiochemistry, and nuclear medicine in a concerted effort to address unmet clinical needs. Partnering with industry experts, including those from Philochem AG and Philogen Group, the investigators have leveraged antibody engineering and radiolabeling expertise to develop a state-of-the-art tracer that marries specificity with translational potential. Such synergies highlight how innovation at the intersection of science and technology can accelerate impactful advances in cancer care.

In sum, the development of [^89Zr]Zr-DFO-F8 as a PET imaging agent targeting the extracellular matrix protein EDA-FN heralds a new era in triple-negative breast cancer detection and management. By sidestepping the limitations imposed by tumor heterogeneity and focusing on the tumor microenvironment, this approach provides a compelling pathway to improved diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring. As the fight against TNBC intensifies, molecular imaging innovations like this offer hope for more effective, personalized interventions that can ultimately save lives.

Subject of Research: Targeting Extra Domain A of Fibronectin for molecular imaging of triple-negative breast cancer

Article Title: Targeting Extra Domain A of Fibronectin to Improve Noninvasive Detection of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

News Publication Date: June 4, 2025

Web References:

• Journal of Nuclear Medicine Article
• JNM Website
• Journal of Nuclear Medicine Twitter
• Journal of Nuclear Medicine Facebook
• Journal of Nuclear Medicine LinkedIn

Image Credits: Images created by Justin S. Hachey, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.

Keywords: Molecular imaging, breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, positron emission tomography, extracellular matrix, fibronectin, tumor heterogeneity, PET tracer, EDA-FN, zirconium-89, monoclonal antibody, tumor microenvironment