Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Mid-Winter Conference Focuses on Theranostics, AI, Diagnostic Imaging Innovations and Clinical Trials

February 6, 2024 — The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) held its 2024 SNMMI Mid-Winter Meeting in Orlando, FL from Feb. 1-3, drawing more than 700 nuclear medicine physicians, pharmacists, scientists, technologists, laboratory professionals, and industry partners from around the world. gathered in Orlando, Florida, on February 1-3 for the SNMMI Mid-Winter meetng. The meeting is held each year in conjunction with the American College of Nuclear Medicine Annual Meeting, ACNM 2024, and offered attendees the chance to learn from experts in the field and enhance their skills in order to provide the best possible care for patients. 

This year’s SNMMI Mid-winter meeting and ACNM Meeting included three distinct educational tracks, according to a written overview issued by SNMMI. Those tracks included: an ACNM Annual Meeting track focused on molecular imaging; a radiopharmaceutical therapy specialty track covering various therapies, as well as operationalizing a therapy center; and a general nuclear medicine track with sessions on diagnostic imaging innovations, clinical trials, dosimetry, among other key areas.

The SNMMI Therapy Specialty Track included a session on “Setting up a Theranostic Center: From Business Planning to Daily Operation – Dosimetry and Case Review,” as well as “Theranostics Moving Forward: New Targets and Combination Therapy.” The SNMMI General Nuclear Medicine Track featured the following sessions, among others: “Pediatric Imaging – Tips for Optimization and Diagnosis,” and “Nuts and Bolts: Becoming a Clinical Trial Site.”

Additionally, the PIDCS/AC/AI Task Force presented a session, “Unleashing the Potential: Artificial Intelligence (AI)’s Role in Revolutionizing NM Instrumentation, Clinical Tasks, and Non-Clinical Tasks.” The Physics, Instrumentation and Data Sciences Council (PIDSC) is composed of Society members who have an interest in medical physics, nuclear instrumentation, and data analysis and their applications in therapeutic, diagnostic or investigational nuclear medicine. SNMMI also noted that of particular interest were sessions on clinical implementation of cutting-edge therapy research, such as alpha therapy, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, prostate cancer therapy, new targets and combination therapy. 

Six satellite symposia were offered on topics including brain and prostate cancer imaging and insights into the new era of molecular imaging, noted the Society’s post-meeting overview. Relatedly, programs on radiation oncology challenges included sessions on focused areas of imaging: breast, prostate, lung, brain; MRI and PET scans; as well as pediatric imaging, and the impact of therapies as it relates to imaging young cancer patients for cardiovascular risks.

More than 40 nuclear medicine and molecular imaging companies were represented in the sold-out exhibit hall, offering attendees the chance to converse directly with industry professionals and explore the latest technologies and products available in the field.

The ACNM Annual Meeting provided an opportunity for attendees to present new research; 107 abstracts were accepted, 20 as oral presentations and 87 as posters. The College also presented its annual awards, including the ACNM Gold Medal to Richard Wahl, MD; Lifetime Achievement, Michael Knopp, MD, PhD; Best Personal Mentor, David Mankoff, MD, PhD; Best Clinical Mentor, Erica Cohen Major, DO, MPH; and Mandell-Alavi Lectureship, Lisa Bodei, MD, PhD.

“The expertise and breadth of information included in this meeting attracted attendees from around the world, and the intimate setting was ideal for networking with peers,” said Heather Jacene, MD, chair of the SNMMI Scientific Program Committee. She added, “By all accounts this year’s meeting was a success, and we look forward to meeting with our colleagues again at the SNMMI Annual Meeting in June.” Jacene, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, also holds the roles of Clinical Director, Nuclear Medicine/PET-CT; Associate Program Director, Brigham and Women's BWH Joint Program in Nuclear Medicine (JPNM) Senior Physician; and Associate Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School.

The 2024 SNMMI Annual Meeting will be held June 8-11, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  As noted by the organization, the Reston, VA-based Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to advancing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging — vital elements of precision medicine that allow diagnosis and treatment to be tailored to individual patients in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. Members set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice by creating guidelines, sharing information through journals and meetings and leading advocacy on key issues that affect molecular imaging and therapy research and practice.

More information: www.snmmi.org

Find more SNMMI24 conference coverage here

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