Reston, VA (May 9, 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.
New Brain Imaging Tool Targets Key Enzyme in Mental Health
Scientists have developed a promising new PET imaging compound, 11C-ZTP-1, to visualize PDE4B—an enzyme linked to inflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders. Tested in rats and monkeys, this short-lived radioligand could help accelerate brain research and drug development by enabling multiple same-day scans.
Rethinking "False Positives" in Breast Cancer Imaging
New research shows that PET scans using 89Zr-labeled antibodies can detect not only HER2-positive but also HER2-low breast cancer lesions—previously misclassified as false positives. This discovery highlights HER2 PET's broader diagnostic potential and supports its role in identifying patients who may benefit from emerging HER2-targeted therapies.
New Brain Scan Tracer Maps Key Receptors in Living Humans
A groundbreaking PET tracer, 18F-K-40, now enables researchers to image AMPA receptors—critical for brain function—in living humans. Matching the performance of an earlier tracer but with a longer lifespan, 18F-K-40 opens the door to studying neurological and psychiatric conditions in greater detail and with broader accessibility.
Whole-Body Imaging Sheds Light on Opioid Receptor Differences Between Men and Women
Using advanced whole-body PET imaging and the tracer 11C-carfentanil, researchers visualized how μ-opioid receptors are distributed and blocked by naloxone in healthy men and women. The study revealed notable sex differences in brain regions tied to pain and addiction—offering new insights into opioid biology and treatment responses.
Molecular Imaging in Human Phenomics and Precision Health
Molecular imaging, aligned with the core principles of human phenomics, is emerging as a powerful tool for quantifying biological complexity and guiding individualized care. By integrating with multiomics data and AI, it supports a shift toward predictive, preclinical diagnostics and precision health strategies rooted in quantitative, systems-level understanding.
Targeting GRPR: A New Frontier in Personalized Cancer Imaging and Therapy
The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is emerging as a powerful target for diagnosing and treating multiple cancers. This overview explores how GRPR-based molecular imaging and therapies are advancing from lab research to clinical use, offering new hope for personalized, precision cancer care across a range of tumor types.
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