by
Loren Bonner, DOTmed News Online Editor | June 09, 2014
From the June 2014 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
HCBN: What other accomplishments has SNMMI been a part of as relates to the growth of molecular imaging this year?
PH: The past year has been very productive. Our outreach and communication programs are raising awareness of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, and also radionuclide therapy, among both health care providers and patients. Our Clinical Trials Network (CTN) continues to promote the use and approval of new radiopharmaceuticals. An important focus has been 68Ga-labeled DOTA agents for imaging neuroendocrine tumors. The CTN has helped sites to obtain INDs and has standardized radiochemistry and imaging methodology. It received Orphan Drug Designation for 68Ga-DOTATOC from the FDA in October 2013.
SNMMI has a new Department of Quality and Evidence. It will develop evidence-based guidelines, appropriate use criteria, technical standards and quality measures for established, as well as new, molecular imaging radiopharmaceuticals. Our flagship journal,
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, is now reaching a wider audience of medical professionals and researchers and is receiving record numbers of submissions each month.
Looking forward, we are collaborating with academia, industry, other imaging associations and government to advance the use of new molecular imaging radiopharmaceuticals. SNMMI will host a stakeholder meeting to clarify the regulatory situation and recommend ways to improve existing approval pathways. In addition, we will be cosponsoring workshops with the World Molecular Imaging Society and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology to identify barriers to the translation of new molecular imaging technologies to the clinic and how to overcome them.
HCBN: What do you anticipate will be some other highlights at the show?
PH: The annual meeting exhibits will include everything from the most sophisticated, cutting-edge imaging systems and software to equipment for producing radiopharmaceuticals. Last year’s popular “Hot Spot” and scavenger hunt games will be repeated for a variety of rewards. And the 2014 SNMMI Annual Meeting App will help attendees search our scientific and educational programs as well as help them locate exhibitors and even build a custom exhibitor list.
