Reston, VA (October 9, 2026)—New research has been published ahead-of-print by The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM). JNM is published by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to advancing nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics—precision medicine that allows diagnosis and treatment to be tailored to individual patients in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Summaries of the newly published research articles are provided below.
New Imaging Approach Targets Prostate Cancer for Alpha Therapy
Researchers developed a paired imaging and treatment approach for prostate cancer using PSMA-targeted compounds. In mice, the therapeutic agent showed 2.2 to 3.5 times higher tumor uptake than a reference treatment, with similar effects on tumor growth. The imaging agent demonstrated similar distribution to the therapeutic compound.
Enzyme-Based Approach Improves Cancer Imaging
Researchers developed a method to improve cancer imaging by using enzymes to clear unneeded radioactive material from the bloodstream. In mice, treatment with the enzyme carboxypeptidase G2 increased the imaging signal from tumors relative to blood by more than 40 percent, potentially helping clinicians better visualize cancer targets.
New PET Tracer Improves Detection of Certain Breast Cancer Metastases
Researchers evaluated a new PET tracer that targets nectin-4, a protein found in several cancers. In a pilot study of six patients with breast cancer, the tracer performed similarly to standard imaging for primary tumors and most lymph node metastases, while detecting more bone and liver metastases in some patients.
PET Tracer Reveals Cellular Stress in Ischemic Stroke
Researchers evaluated a new PET tracer designed to detect erythropoietin receptors, which are involved in cellular responses to low oxygen levels. In two animal models of ischemic stroke, the tracer accumulated in damaged brain regions. Tests of human stroke tissue also showed tracer binding, particularly in areas surrounding the most severely damaged tissue.
Imaging Reveals Differences in Insulin-Producing Cells Over Time in Type 1 Diabetes
Researchers used PET/CT imaging to measure insulin-producing beta cells in 26 people with type 1 diabetes. Those diagnosed less than seven years earlier had greater beta-cell mass, larger pancreases, and less pancreatic fat than those with longer-duration diabetes. Beta-cell mass was also associated with insulin-producing function.
Patients Prioritize Image Quality When Choosing PET/CT Scans
A survey of 227 patients undergoing PET/CT examined preferences for scan quality, duration, comfort, and access. Nearly eight in 10 preferred better-quality images even if scans took longer, and 80 percent were willing to wait more than an hour after injection. Most reported little or no discomfort during scanning.
New PET Tracer Detects Neuroblastoma in Young Children
Researchers evaluated a new PET tracer targeting somatostatin receptors in five children ages 3–7 with advanced neuroblastoma. Imaging identified 17 cancer lesions, with strong contrast between tumors and surrounding tissues. The scan also delivered a low overall radiation dose, supporting further evaluation of this imaging approach in children.
Delayed PET/CT Improves Detection of Overactive Parathyroid Glands
A study of 119 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism found that delayed PET/CT imaging 60 minutes after injection improved image contrast compared with scans taken at 10 minutes. Delayed imaging changed clinical interpretation in 19.3 percent of cases and revealed a parathyroid adenoma in eight patients whose early scans were negative.
Kidney Function After Radiopharmaceutical Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Researchers compared kidney function in patients with advanced prostate cancer treated with radiopharmaceutical therapy or chemotherapy. Kidney function declined similarly in both groups during the first six months. Over longer follow-up, declines were more pronounced in patients with preexisting chronic kidney disease, while those with initially preserved kidney function showed no significant change.
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