Reston, VA (May 2, 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.
Tracing Brain Changes in Alzheimer's with a New Imaging Tool
Scientists developed a PET brain tracer, 11C-HSP990, to visualize the protein Hsp90, crucial for brain cell health. Tests in rodents, primates, and human tissues showed reduced Hsp90 levels in Alzheimer's, hinting at its potential as an early biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases.
Hidden Heart and Lung Issues Found in Long COVID Patients
In a study of long COVID patients with lasting chest symptoms, advanced imaging revealed widespread heart and lung abnormalities up to a year post-infection. Over half showed signs of inflammation on PET/MRI scans, and nearly all had lung issues, highlighting ongoing risks even after recovery.
A New Imaging Tool Targets Key Marker in Nasopharyngeal Cancer
A new study highlights CD70 as a common marker in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), with strong ties to disease severity. Researchers tested a new imaging technique, 18F-RCCB6 immuno-PET/CT, in NPC patients and found it more effective than standard scans in detecting early tumors and lymph node metastases.
New Targeted Therapy Enters Trial for Advanced Prostate Cancer
A first-in-human trial is testing 177Lu-HTK03170, a next-generation radiopharmaceutical designed to target prostate cancer more precisely while reducing side effects. The study will evaluate safety, dosing, and early effectiveness in men with advanced prostate cancer no longer responding to standard treatments. Results could guide future therapies.
Promising New Therapy Agent Shows Stability in Prostate Cancer Patients
A new compound, 177Lu-AMTG, shows strong stability in the bloodstream of prostate cancer patients, making it a promising candidate for targeted therapy. Early results suggest it may outperform current imaging agents in detecting and treating hard-to-find metastatic disease linked to GRPR-expressing prostate cancers.
New Delivery Method Brings Targeted Radiation to Childhood Brain Tumors
Researchers tested a novel technique using a radiolabeled antibody, 124I-Omburtamab, delivered directly into brain-stem tumors in children. This method bypasses the blood–brain barrier and allows high-dose radiation to reach the tumor. Early imaging results show promising tumor coverage and targeted delivery, offering hope for treating these difficult cancers.
New PET Technique Maps Blood Flow with a Common Cancer Tracer
Scientists have developed a fast, high-resolution PET imaging method that uses the widely available tracer 18F-FDG to measure blood flow throughout the body. In early tests, it matched a specialized tracer's performance, offering a simpler way to study circulation in the brain, heart, tumors, and more.
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