Reston, VA (December 12, 2025)—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.
Tracking Kidney Cancer Spread with a New Targeted Imaging Tool
This study explored whether two biomarkers—CD70 and CAIX—help identify lung metastases from clear cell kidney cancer. Researchers also tested a new CD70-targeted PET/CT scan, 18F-RCCB6, to see how well it detects suspected metastatic tumors across the body.
When Heart Scans Work Best for Detecting ATTR Amyloidosis
Researchers tracked how a common imaging agent, 99mTc-pyrophosphate, behaves in the heart, blood, and bone to see whether early scans could match standard late scans for detecting ATTR amyloid cardiomyopathy. By comparing patients with and without the disease, they mapped when uptake peaks across different tissues.
Comparing Two Experimental Radiation Therapies for Neuroendocrine Tumors
This early-phase study tested how two radiopharmaceuticals—161Tb-DOTA-LM3 and the commonly used 177Lu-DOTATOC—deliver radiation to tumors and organs in the same patients. Using serial SPECT/CT scans, researchers measured how long each drug stayed in tumors and how much radiation different tissues absorbed.
A New Imaging Tool to Track Heart-Healing Cells After a Heart Attack
Researchers tested a new PET tracer, 64Cu-LNTH-1363S, in mouse models of heart attack to see whether it could identify fibroblasts that drive cardiac repair. Using two injury models and blocking studies, they evaluated how specifically and how strongly the tracer targeted these activated cells.
Nuclear Medicine in Africa: Mapping Progress and Remaining Gaps
This study surveyed nuclear medicine capacity across Africa, examining equipment availability, radiopharmaceutical access, workforce limitations, and growth trends. Data from International Atomic Energy Agency resources and regional experts highlight expanding PET/CT and SPECT services, increasing radiopharmaceutical options, and ongoing challenges that shape access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic care.
Testing PET Tracers to Better Detect Alzheimer's-Related Brain Changes
Researchers evaluated three different radioactive labels attached to a bispecific antibody, Lec-Fab8D3, designed to cross the blood–brain barrier and bind amyloid-β. In Alzheimer's model mice, each tracer showed strong brain uptake, with clear differences in signal strength and regional contrast depending on the radionuclide used.
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