In one study, investigators tested a combination approach for pancreatic cancer using the radiopharmaceutical ^177Lu-DOTA-ABM-5G alongside the DNA repair inhibitor olaparib. Preclinical models showed that the therapy delivered tumor-associated radiation while simultaneously disrupting repair pathways, resulting in amplified DNA damage, suppressed tumor growth, slowed disease progression, and improved survival compared with either strategy alone.

A second paper introduces PROFILE, a PET-informed prognostic framework for advanced prostate cancer designed to estimate survival before targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy. By integrating two PET scan findings with standard clinical variables, the score separated patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk strata and performed consistently across independent cohorts, supporting its potential role in earlier treatment stratification.

Safety and hematologic biology also took center stage. Researchers examined clonal hematopoiesis in patients receiving ^177Lu PSMA therapy, finding that while overall survival did not differ by mutation status, mutation carriers showed a trend toward increased blood-related adverse effects. Importantly, new or expanding clonal mutations were frequently observed during treatment, suggesting dynamic changes under radiopharmaceutical exposure.

Beyond oncology, another study tested whether a second-generation tau PET tracer can reveal Alzheimer’s-associated brain alterations in people who are still cognitively normal. Higher tracer uptake correlated with Alzheimer’s genetic risk, a blood biomarker of disease, female sex, and weaker episodic memory performance—pointing toward a route for detecting early pathology-linked change.

Taken together, these findings strengthen the case for theranostic workflows that couple targeted delivery with biomarker-guided decision-making. They also emphasize measurement beyond tumors, including predictive indices and circulating-cell genomic evolution that may influence tolerability and clinical outcomes.

As molecular imaging tools become more sensitive and analytic methods more integrated, future trials may refine personalized treatment timing, dosing considerations, and monitoring strategies. For clinicians and researchers, the unifying theme is simple: imaging signals are increasingly actionable, linking risk assessment, treatment response, and safety monitoring.

For readers seeking the latest developments, additional information is available via the JNM platform and its official social channels. The studies collectively underscore that precision imaging is moving from detection toward decision support—turning biological complexity into measurable, clinically relevant signals.

Subject of Research: Molecular imaging, theranostics, PET biomarkers, targeted radiopharmaceuticals, precision medicine
Article Title: Targeted Radiation and PARP Inhibitor Show Promise Against Pancreatic Cancer; New PET-Based Score May Help Predict Outcomes Before Prostate Cancer Therapy; Study Explores Blood Cell Mutations in Patients Receiving Targeted Prostate Cancer Therapy; Tau PET Scan Detects Early Alzheimer’s-Related Brain Changes in Healthy Older Adults
News Publication Date: July 17, 2026
Web References: https://doi.org/10.2967/jnumed.125.271137 ; https://doi.org/10.2967/jnumed.126.272368 ; https://doi.org/10.2967/jnumed.126.272125 ; https://doi.org/10.2967/jnumed.125.271927 ; https://jnm.snmjournals.org/
References: Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) / The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM)
Image Credits: Not provided
Keywords: theranostics; PET; ^177Lu; PARP inhibitor; olaparib; PSMA; clonal hematopoiesis; tau PET; Alzheimer’s; precision medicine; prognostic score; PROFILE

In her multifaceted career, Dr. Jacene holds several prominent positions, including Chief of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Clinical Director of Nuclear Medicine/PET-CT, and Senior Physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She also serves as Associate Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School. Her diverse roles underscore a strong commitment to pushing the boundaries of nuclear medicine through both clinical excellence and academic rigor, highlighting her capacity to bridge the gap between innovative research and patient-centered care.

One of Dr. Jacene’s primary objectives as president is to reinforce SNMMI as an indispensable resource for its members, spanning the spectrum from foundational basic science research to the highest standards of evidence-based clinical application. She emphasizes the critical importance of fostering an environment where nuclear medicine evolves through interdisciplinary collaboration and robust scientific inquiry, ensuring that the field remains at the forefront of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

Dr. Jacene is focused on creating dynamic platforms within SNMMI that encourage active participation and collaboration among members, transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries. By promoting multidisciplinary partnerships, she envisions expanding the reach and influence of nuclear medicine, driving innovations that enhance molecular imaging technologies such as PET-CT and radiopharmaceutical therapies. Her approach involves breaking down silos to facilitate knowledge exchange and accelerate technological advancements.

A major part of her agenda involves advocating for increased awareness and acceptance of nuclear medicine among clinical colleagues and patients alike. She aims to communicate the tangible benefits of these advanced imaging techniques in personalized medicine, emphasizing how molecular imaging enables precise characterization of disease states and therapeutic responses. This strategic communication will help solidify nuclear medicine’s role as a cornerstone of modern clinical practice.

Another critical challenge Dr. Jacene intends to address involves the barriers related to the availability, reimbursement, affordability, and funding of radiopharmaceuticals. These radiotracers are indispensable tools in targeted diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, yet their accessibility remains uneven. Her leadership will concentrate on policy advocacy and operational innovations to ensure broader and timely access to these vital agents, thus enhancing the clinical utility and patient reach of nuclear medicine.

Dr. Jacene’s extensive training and expertise reflect a career dedicated to nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. She earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She subsequently completed both her residency and fellowship in nuclear medicine and PET-CT at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, where she honed her skills in cutting-edge diagnostic imaging techniques and the evolving applications of radiopharmaceuticals in oncology and beyond.

Her longstanding involvement with SNMMI is marked by significant leadership roles, including chairing the Scientific Program Committee, where she orchestrated innovative transformations to the Annual Meeting format. These changes have led to enhanced member engagement, increased networking opportunities, and a fertile ground for presenting novel research. She has also played a pivotal role in quality assurance, serving as Chair for the Quality of Practice Domain within the SNMMI Value Initiative, and helped establish the Radiopharmaceutical Centers of Excellence Program to standardize and elevate the delivery of radiopharmaceutical therapies.

Dr. Jacene’s research portfolio is both extensive and impactful, focusing predominantly on the application of FDG-PET/CT and other emerging PET tracers for the assessment of cancer biology and therapeutic efficacy. Her investigations delve into functional imaging biomarkers that reveal tumor metabolism, receptor expression, and microenvironmental changes, thereby informing more personalized and adaptive treatment strategies. Furthermore, she explores novel radiopharmaceutical therapies that promise to revolutionize the management of malignancies through targeted molecular interventions.

In addition to more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications, Dr. Jacene has authored numerous review articles and book chapters, contributing authoritative perspectives on the evolving landscape of molecular imaging and theranostics. Her scholarship not only advances academic discourse but also aids in translating complex imaging science into practical clinical guidelines and protocols that optimize patient care.

The new SNMMI leadership team for 2026-27 includes other distinguished figures such as Gary Ulaner, MD, PhD, FSNMMI, chosen as president-elect, and Jason S. Lewis, PhD, FSNMMI, as vice president-elect. The SNMMI Technologist Section has also elected Shannon Youngblood, EdD, MSRS, CNMT, RT(CT), as president, with Sara L. Johnson, CNMT, RT(N)(CT), serving as president-elect. Together, this leadership cadre represents a diverse spectrum of expertise poised to drive the society’s mission forward.

SNMMI remains a global scientific and medical organization dedicated to propelling nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostic precision medicine. Through its efforts, SNMMI facilitates innovations that allow clinicians to tailor diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to individual patients with unprecedented specificity, aiming for optimal outcomes. Dr. Jacene’s presidency symbolizes a sustained commitment to integrating high-caliber research, education, and clinical practice at the forefront of this transformative field.

Subject of Research:
Heather Jacene’s presidency at SNMMI and advancements in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, including PET-CT innovations and radiopharmaceutical therapy.

Article Title:
Heather Jacene, MD, Named President of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging: Advancing the Future of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics

News Publication Date:
June 2026

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

Image Credits:
Courtesy of SNMMI

Keywords:
Molecular imaging, Nuclear medicine, Positron emission tomography, Personalized medicine, Radiopharmaceutical therapy, Theranostics, FDG-PET/CT, Radiopharmaceutical Centers of Excellence, Precision medicine, SNMMI, Cancer imaging, Clinical molecular imaging

The SNMMI Fellowship reflects a rigorous selection process that emphasizes not only distinguished volunteer service to the society but also outstanding achievement in scientific discovery, educational impact, or clinical practice. These criteria ensure that the honorees represent the pinnacle of expertise and leadership, fostering the ongoing evolution of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging techniques that are central to modern precision medicine.

One of the newly inducted Fellows, Dr. Gholam Reza Berenji, currently directs nuclear cardiology at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. His academic role as an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria in Canada underscores his commitment to fostering interdisciplinary knowledge transfer. Dr. Berenji’s involvement in multiple SNMMI councils, including the Academic and Cardiovascular Councils and specialized centers of excellence, positions him at the forefront of facilitating cutting-edge research and practice integration in cardiovascular molecular imaging modalities.

Dr. Mehdi Djekidel, another inductee, serves as associate professor of radiology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University and practices diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine at Northwell Health. His leadership roles within the Theranostics Leadership Group and other critical committees highlight his active participation in the development and oversight of radiopharmaceutical therapies and brain imaging initiatives, contributing significantly to the refinement of neuroimaging and personalized treatment paradigms.

In Washington, D.C., Dr. Giuseppe Esposito presides as chief of nuclear medicine at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital and co-directs nuclear medicine services at Medstar Medical Group Radiology. His stewardship on the SNMMI Board of Directors and as chair of the Scientific Program and Education Committee reflects his dedication to advancing scientific education and orchestrating high-impact sessions at annual meetings that disseminate the latest research breakthroughs and clinical protocols widely across the nuclear medicine community.

Distinguished for his contributions to oncologic imaging, Dr. Homer Macapinlac holds the James E. Anderson Distinguished Professorship of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. His longstanding leadership within the SNMMI PET Center of Excellence, including serving as its president, underscores his pivotal role in promoting positron emission tomography applications in cancer diagnostics and therapy management, fostering innovations that enhance tumor detection sensitivity and treatment monitoring.

Professor John Prior, based at Lausanne University Hospital in Switzerland, is renowned for his expertise in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, where he heads the related department. His multifaceted contributions as a society leader, educator, and prolific speaker at SNMMI conferences have significantly influenced the international scientific discourse, particularly emphasizing molecular imaging’s capacity to revolutionize disease detection and therapeutic strategies on a global scale.

Recognizing the importance of patient advocacy in advancing nuclear medicine, Josh Mailman was honored as an Honorary Fellow. An internationally respected advocate for neuroendocrine tumor patients, Mailman’s pivotal role as the inaugural chair of SNMMI’s Patient Advocacy Advisory Board exemplifies his efforts to bridge the gap between patient communities and medical practitioners, ensuring that patient narratives inform therapeutic innovation and regulatory policies alike.

The 2026 Fellowship also acknowledged the career of Dr. Libero (Lou) Marzella, a former director at the FDA Division of Imaging and Radiation Medicine. Dr. Marzella’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping regulatory frameworks that govern PET radiopharmaceutical drug development. His expertise has not only guided policy in the United States but has also fostered international collaborations that streamline PET imaging agent approval, proving vital for translational research and clinical trial success worldwide.

The upcoming SNMMI president for 2025-26, Dr. Jean-Luc Urbain, will receive Fellowship status after his term, recognizing his extensive leadership across multiple domains within the society. Dr. Urbain’s commitment to international collaboration and educational outreach continues to drive innovation by integrating research, clinical application, and global partnerships, enabling nuclear medicine to address challenges in personalized diagnostics and tailored therapies comprehensively.

Throughout these recognitions, SNMMI reiterates its mission to promote nuclear medicine and molecular imaging as indispensable tools in precision medicine. These imaging techniques exploit radiopharmaceuticals to visualize and measure biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels, providing unparalleled insights into disease mechanisms while facilitating the tailored treatment of conditions ranging from cardiac disorders to complex malignancies.

The integration of theranostics—where diagnostic imaging and therapeutic delivery are fused—represents a paradigm shift in patient care, enabling clinicians to predict, monitor, and optimize treatments based on individualized biological data. The honored Fellows’ varied expertise across PET, radiopharmaceutical therapy, and clinical oncology underscores the dynamic and interdisciplinary evolution of this field.

The SNMMI’s emphasis on Fellow recognition not only celebrates individual excellence but also highlights the collaborative and translational efforts necessary to push the boundaries of nuclear medicine. By fostering a vibrant community of innovators, educators, and advocates, SNMMI ensures that molecular imaging continues to impact patient outcomes profoundly, influencing future healthcare practices globally.

The 2026 Annual Meeting itself, a cornerstone event for the nuclear medicine community, provides an invaluable platform for sharing advancements, debating challenges, and forging partnerships that accelerate scientific discovery. The induction of these Fellows symbolizes the ongoing quest for excellence and the relentless pursuit to harness molecular insights for groundbreaking clinical applications.

As the SNMMI Fellowship cohort grows, the society reinforces its commitment to recognizing those who enhance the knowledge base, clinical capabilities, and patient-centered focus of the nuclear medicine and molecular imaging fields. This prestigious designation serves as an inspiration to both emerging and established professionals dedicated to improving diagnostics and therapies through cutting-edge science.

Subject of Research: Nuclear Medicine, Molecular Imaging, Theranostics, Positron Emission Tomography, Radiopharmaceutical Therapy

Article Title: SNMMI Honors New Fellows Advancing Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Innovation at 2026 Annual Meeting

News Publication Date: June 2026

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

Keywords: Nuclear Medicine, Molecular Imaging, Theranostics, Positron Emission Tomography, Radiopharmaceutical Therapy, Personalized Medicine, Oncology Imaging, Regulatory Science, Patient Advocacy

Among the pioneering investigations featured is a novel imaging tracer, 99mTc-(HE)3-(GPO)9, designed to monitor cardiac fibrosis following myocardial infarction. Previous limitations in visualizing active collagen turnover impeded clinicians’ ability to assess post-infarction remodeling accurately. By employing state-of-the-art SPECT/CT imaging alongside extensive tissue analysis in murine models and human samples, researchers were able to quantify tracer uptake reflecting denatured collagen presence. This technique offers unprecedented temporal mapping of fibrosis-related biological changes, potentially advancing intervention strategies by enabling non-invasive differentiation between healing and pathological scar formation in the heart muscle.

Turning to oncology, the precision targeting of ovarian cancer has been enhanced through evaluation of folate receptor-alpha (FR-α) with folate-based radioconjugates. Central to this study was the use of the stereoisomer 6S-5-MTHF, which demonstrated significantly higher affinity for tumor-associated folate receptors compared to normal tissue receptors. This discriminative capacity emerged from thorough in vitro cellular assays, in vivo tumor-bearing mouse models, advanced imaging protocols, and confirmatory analyses in human ovarian cancer specimens. The implication is a refined delivery system for radiopharmaceuticals, which minimizes off-target toxicity and maximizes diagnostic contrast — an evolutionary step towards more effective, personalized oncologic imaging.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), often challenging to treat due to their diverse origin and behavior, are spotlighted through innovative targeted radiotherapy research. The study introducing 225Ac-mcp-TDI-Y-010, a DLL3-targeting alpha-emitting radiotherapeutic agent, signifies a promising therapeutic approach. Mouse models of lung and prostate neuroendocrine malignancies served as the platform to evaluate biodistribution, dosimetry, and systemic effects. Data revealed improved tumor uptake and prolonged survival relative to controls, alongside manageable toxicity profiles across graded dose levels. This represents a vital step towards potent precision treatments that leverage molecular specificity while limiting collateral damage to healthy tissues.

Another area of nuanced inquiry assessed the safety profile for adolescent patients receiving adult dosages of 177Lu-DOTATATE for rare neuroendocrine tumors. Utilizing rigorous pharmacokinetic modeling and dosimetric simulations, the investigators compared drug exposure and absorbed radiation doses in organs at risk — particularly kidneys and bone marrow. Their findings indicated pharmacologic and radiobiological parity between adolescent and adult cohorts, with acceptable safety margins predicted through four treatment cycles. This work opens avenues for more confidently applying established adult therapeutic regimens in pediatric oncology, expanding treatment accessibility to younger populations otherwise constrained by dosing uncertainties.

First-in-human trials are often pivotal in establishing the clinical utility of new radiotracers. The debut human study of 99mTc-TECANT1, a sophisticated somatostatin receptor antagonist designed for NET imaging, exhibited strong lesion detection capabilities with enhanced contrast resolution against standard PET modalities. Comprehensive evaluation entailed safety assessments, pharmacokinetic profiling, radiation dosimetry, and comparative imaging performance. The agent’s ability to detect metastatic disease with higher sensitivity and specificity heralds a paradigm shift in neuroendocrine tumor diagnostics that could improve staging accuracy and subsequent therapeutic decision-making.

Meanwhile, neuro-oncology practitioners are gaining prognostic tools from advances in PET imaging. Investigators analyzed 18F-FET PET data in patients with recurrent glioblastoma, determining that metabolic tumor volume and tumor-to-background ratios serve as significant markers correlating with patient survival outcomes. Elevated values of these parameters were associated with an increased mortality risk, underscoring their potential role in stratifying candidates for novel therapeutic trials and informing personalized treatment approaches in this notoriously aggressive brain malignancy.

In the realm of prostate cancer management, particularly metastatic castration-resistant cases, the comparative research of imaging against biochemical markers illuminated the superior prognostic capabilities of PSMA PET/CT scans over traditional PSA blood tests. By tracking volumetric changes, especially in total lesion PSMA expression, clinicians were able to more reliably monitor response to 177Lu-PSMA radioligand therapy, correlating PET imaging alterations with overall survival more accurately than PSA levels alone. This advancement paves the way for better treatment monitoring and potentially earlier adaptations in therapeutic strategy.

Collectively, these studies embody the dynamic interplay of molecular targeting, innovative imaging agents, and therapeutic radionuclides that are redefining clinical paradigms. The ability to visualize pathological processes with molecular specificity and act upon these insights with precision therapies constitutes the transformative core of theranostics—a field where diagnosis and treatment merge into a cohesive, patient-centric approach.

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine continues to serve as a vital repository and disseminator of these scientific breakthroughs, fostering international collaboration and expediting translation from bench to bedside. As molecular imaging and theranostics evolve, they hold the promise of not only enhancing diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy but also of improving patient quality of life through tailored interventions.

Readers and clinicians eager to keep abreast of these significant developments are encouraged to visit the JNM website and engage with the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging’s digital platforms on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. These channels provide real-time updates, expert commentary, and opportunities to interface with leading researchers pushing the boundaries of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

For further information or to arrange interviews with the featured researchers, media personnel are advised to contact Rebecca Maxey at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. As the field advances, the integration of molecular insights into clinical practice promises to accelerate discoveries and innovations with far-reaching impacts on personalized medicine worldwide.

Subject of Research: Molecular imaging and theranostics in cardiovascular and oncologic diseases
Article Title: [Not specified in provided content]
News Publication Date: March 27, 2026
Web References: Visit the Journal of Nuclear Medicine website at www.snmmi.org/jnm for access to current and past issues
References: [Not provided in original content]
Image Credits: [Not provided in original content]

Keywords: molecular imaging, nuclear medicine, theranostics, myocardial infarction, ovarian cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, radiotherapy, pharmacokinetics, dosimetry, PET imaging, PSMA, 177Lu-DOTATATE