Reston, Va. - To celebrate Nuclear Medicine Week 2012, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the SNMMI Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS) have compiled a list of some of the most significant advances in the field over the past year, as well as what's to come in the future for the profession. The society's Nuclear Medicine Week-held October 7-13, 2012-is designed to recognize the advances in the field of nuclear and molecular imaging, as well as the professionals who carry out these procedures.

"The past year has been a very eventful time for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging with advances in many areas of the field," said Frederic H. Fahey, DSc, SNMMI president. "From researchers to clinicians and technologists, the entire profession is evolving to improve human health."

Highlights of the past year in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging include:

The Unites States Food and Drug Administration approval of florbetapir for amyloid imaging.
The first results of PET/MR in clinical use.
Dose optimization efforts, including the release of Image Gently's "Go with the Guidelines" for nuclear medicine and SNMMI's position statement.
Increasing use of molecular breast imaging, particularly of note due to the recent breast density legislation throughout the country.

"We also have much to look forward in the coming year," said Fahey. "SNMMI and the Alzheimer's Association will release appropriate use criteria for amyloid imaging and the FDA is anticipated to approve radium-223 for treatment of recurrent prostate cancer. We are hopeful that several other radiotracers will be approved by the FDA in the coming year as well. In addition, SNMMI's global initiative will also be well underway and a worldwide collaboration will be in place to advance the field."

The theme of this year's Nuclear Medicine Week is "Focusing on YOU." SNMMI has developed a toolkit for nuclear and molecular imaging professionals. The toolkit includes a fact sheet, sample letter to government officials, sample media materials and suggested activities for the week-including issuing a public service announcement, holding an open house of the nuclear and molecular imaging department for the public and hosting an appreciation luncheon for employees. Nuclear Medicine Week t-shirts, lunch bags, pens and more are also available for purchase.

"Nuclear Medicine Week is a time for all within the field to take a proactive role in the sharing our accomplishments with others," noted Brenda King, CNMT, FSNMTS, SNMMI-TS president. "From advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment to recent breakthroughs in Alzheimer's and dementia research, nuclear medicine is improving lives-and it is up to us to educate others on these major healthcare innovations."

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