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Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy

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Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that provides crucial insights into the body's physiological functions at a molecular level. It is an indispensable resource for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring various illnesses, notably cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
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Updated: May 26, 2026

Solid Phase 11C-Methylation, Purification and Formulation for the Production of PET Tracers

Solid Phase ¹¹C-Methylation, Purification and Formulation for the Production of PET Tracers

Published on: October 24, 2019

How many PET tracers do we need?

Markus Schwaiger¹, Hans-Jürgen Wester

¹Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany. markus.schwaiger@tum.de

Journal of Nuclear Medicine : Official Publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine

|December 7, 2011

Summary

New positron emission tomography (PET) tracers are needed for early disease diagnosis and staging. Advancements in PET instrumentation and specialized radiopharmaceuticals will drive personalized medicine and new clinical applications.

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Automation of a Positron-emission Tomography (PET) Radiotracer Synthesis Protocol for Clinical Production

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Published on: October 26, 2018

Area of Science:

Nuclear Medicine
Molecular Imaging
Radiopharmaceutical Science

Background:

Increasing availability of PET instrumentation necessitates new tracers.
Unmet clinical needs in early disease diagnosis and staging drive PET tracer development.
The success of (18)F-FDG PET has established biologic signals in disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the need for new PET tracers.
To discuss the role of PET in personalized medicine.
To explore factors influencing the introduction of new PET tracers.

Main Methods:

Review of current trends in PET instrumentation and clinical applications.
Analysis of the impact of disease-specific markers on PET imaging.
Discussion of the emerging radiopharmaceutical industry and regulatory landscape.

Main Results:

PET technology offers advantages over SPECT, promoting new tracer development.
Disease-specific markers, like amyloid ligands, will expand PET applications in neurodegenerative diseases.
The integration of molecular imaging with targeted therapy is key for personalized medicine.

Conclusions:

The development of new PET tracers is crucial for advancing disease diagnosis, staging, and personalized medicine.
A specialized radiopharmaceutical industry and robust distribution networks are essential for new tracer introduction.
Market demand, supply, and healthcare system regulations will shape the availability of novel PET tracers.