A study in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that F-18 fluoroestradiol PET/CT was highly specific and moderately sensitive for diagnosing axillary lymph node metastasis in women with invasive lobular breast cancer. F-18 FES, approved by the FDA in 2020, binds to estrogen receptors on ILC cells.

A survey of graduates of the University of Ottawa's nuclear medicine training program found high satisfaction with the program's quality and its role in their professional success, according to a study in Cureus. The survey found residents ranked the hands-on training they received as most beneficial, followed by mentorship and support. "In nuclear medicine, mentorship plays a critical role in shaping trainees' clinical and academic competencies and is one of the most effective strategies for strengthening training outcomes," researchers wrote.

Canada has invested $13 million to increase production of medical isotopes at the Bruce Power nuclear plant in Kincardine, Ontario. The funding will double the plant's production of Lutetium-177, a targeted cancer treatment, making Canada a leading global supplier.

A study in JAMA Network Open found that physicians who used smartwatches for six months had higher resilience and a 54% lower likelihood of burnout, compared with a control group. The passive monitoring allowed physicians to access data on sleep, heart rate, physical activity and stress without the need for immediate behavioral changes.

A study in JCO Oncology Practice found that cannabis use has increased among cancer survivors, with more than 8% likely using it, though over half may be for recreational purposes. Certain demographics, including men and Black people, showed higher usage.

The Global Radium-226 Management Initiative, a project of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has facilitated nearly a dozen international transfers of disused radium sources for recycling into radiopharmaceuticals. Tunisia recently transferred 100 sources to the US, and Brazil is preparing to transfer about 400 sources.

"We have witnessed a high level of interest and dedication from the national teams involved in radium-226 transfers to join the IAEA Global Ra 226 Management initiative and benefit from the Agency support," said Olena Mykolaichuk, director of the IAEA's Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology.

The FDA has released draft guidance on optimizing dosages for radiopharmaceutical therapies in cancer treatment, focusing on clinical development before marketing applications. The goal is to separate dosing recommendations for RPT products and external beam radiation therapy. Comments on the draft can be made through Oct. 20.

The CMS will be sending lists to states each month identifying Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program enrollees "whose citizenship or immigration status could not be confirmed through federal databases," according to a CMS news release. The CMS has instructed state program administrators to verify the citizenship or immigration status of people on the list and adjust coverage or disenroll ineligible people.

The latest edition of QuickScan, the SNMMI patient newsletter, is now live! Recap our Patient Education Day, discover new research and FDA approvals, and learn about one patient’s experience with thyroid cancer. Read it here.