A PET radiotracer that can detect deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs and clots that have travelled to the lungs has been chosen as the “Image of the Year” at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) 2026 annual meeting. Developed by Sangwon Han and colleagues at the Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, in Korea, the novel tracer enables whole‑body imaging of blood clots (thrombi) in the legs and lungs in a single scan.

A DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. It’s a common condition, with an incidence of roughly half that of all cancers, and it can lead to serious complications. Clots can break off and travel to the lungs, which could cause a potentially life‑threatening pulmonary embolism (a blockage in the artery supplying blood to the lungs). Early detection of DVT is therefore critical for determining the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

Currently, the standard imaging method for diagnosing DVT is venous ultrasonography (VUS). But while this works well for detecting clots in the thigh-to-knee region, whole-leg VUS requires skilled operators and advanced machines, takes longer, and has lower diagnostic sensitivity in the calf. In addition, conventional imaging techniques such as VUS and CT rely on indirect structural changes rather than directly visualizing the clot.

Aiming to enable faster and more efficient DVT diagnosis, Han and his research team are studying fluorinated GP1 (¹⁸F-GP1) a novel thrombus-targeted PET tracer. The tracer selectively binds to specific receptors on activated platelets (the cell fragments that cause blood to clots), allowing direct visualization of active thrombus formation.

“In our Phase 1 study, ¹⁸F-GP1 PET/CT showed 100% detection rate in 20 patients with confirmed DVT or pulmonary embolism,” Han told the SNMMI delegates. “But that study was limited by its small sample size and an absence of negative groups so specificity could not be assessed at that time.”

So in this latest work, Han and his team performed a phase 2, non-randomized study investigating the ability of ¹⁸F-GP1 PET/CT to identify acute lower-extremity DVT in 46 symptomatic patients. This included 22 patients with proximal DVT and 24 with none or distal DVT, as diagnosed using VUS.

The researchers acquired chest-to-feet PET/CT scans approximately 2 h after intravenous administration of 250 MBq of the radiotracer. The images were assessed by three blinded nuclear medicine physicians from different institutions, who assigned focal ¹⁸F-GP1 uptake higher than background activity as positive for thrombosis. They classified proximal DVT as clots involving the iliac (pelvic), femoral (thigh) and popliteal veins (behind the knee), and distal DVT as clots confined to the calf veins.

“Our primary objective was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of qualitive ¹⁸F-GP1 PET/CT interpretation for proximal DVT,” Han explained. “Secondary objectives included assessing the agreement between PET/CT and VUS for distal DVT, inter-reader reproducibility, exploring the detection of pulmonary embolism and assessing safety.”

When evaluated against VUS as a reference standard, ¹⁸F-GP1 PET/CT exhibited high diagnostic accuracy for detecting clots, demonstrating a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 92% for proximal DVT. “For distal DVT, both positive and negative agreement between PET/CT and VUS were strong,” added Han. “Inter-reader agreement was also excellent.”

The scans also identified concomitant pulmonary emboli in some patients, as confirmed by CT pulmonary angiography, illustrating the advantage of simultaneously assessing DVT and pulmonary embolism in a single scan. The researchers noted that the radiotracer was well tolerated, with no drug-related adverse events observed.

Speaking in the plenary session when his award was announced, Han shared a “striking image” recorded using ¹⁸F-GP1 PET/CT, which showed extensive blood clots, not only in the leg and lungs, but also in many unusual sites, including cranial and spinal vessels, cardiac valves, and vessels in the pelvic region. “This image clearly shows the remarkability ability of fluorinated GP1 to visualize thrombi throughout the body,” he explained.

“We believe this represents an important step towards thrombus-specific imaging,” Han concluded. “The potential of GP1 PET can expand beyond DVTs to many other thrombotic diseases such as embolic stroke or other cardiovascular diseases.”

The SNMMI Image of the Year is the society’s highest award, and the most anticipated, given out in recognition of an image that’s truly cutting-edge and representative of the future of nuclear medicine. This year’s winning image was chosen from nearly 1500 abstracts submitted for the meeting.

“It is truly a great honour to receive the Image of the Year award,” said Han.

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In a significant development within the realm of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, Dr. Jason S. Lewis, PhD, FSNMMI, has been appointed as the Vice President-Elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) for the 2026-27 term. His appointment was officially announced at the SNMMI’s 2026 Annual Meeting held in Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for the society as it continues to expand its influence in advancing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging sciences. Dr. Lewis’s career, distinguished by a profound commitment to both scientific innovation and educational leadership, positions him uniquely to shape the future trajectory of the society.

Dr. Lewis holds prestigious roles as the Emily Tow Chair in Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and deputy director of the Sloan Kettering Institute in New York. His extensive background embodies a fusion of rigorous scientific inquiry and clinical application, a dual focus that reflects the integral nature of molecular imaging and nuclear medicine in bridging laboratory discoveries with patient-centered therapies. At SNMMI, he aims to leverage this integration by elevating basic science visibility, thereby fostering a symbiotic relationship between foundational research and its clinical deployment.

A central theme in Dr. Lewis’s vision as Vice President-Elect involves enhancing the educational landscape within SNMMI. He asserts that the society must strengthen its role as an educational powerhouse, catering to members across all career stages. By enriching educational content and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between basic scientists and clinical investigators, SNMMI can solidify its reputation as an incubator for innovative research methodologies and translational sciences that define tomorrow’s standards of precision medicine.

Dr. Lewis’s commitment extends to nurturing early-career scientists, a group vital for sustaining the momentum of innovation in nuclear medicine. He intends to create novel forums and opportunities tailored specifically for these emerging investigators, emphasizing mentorship, scientific exchange, and active participation in society initiatives. This approach ensures a dynamic generational handoff that preserves and amplifies the society’s mission to push the boundaries of molecular imaging technology and radiopharmaceutical sciences.

Tracing Dr. Lewis’s academic journey underscores the depth of his expertise. He obtained his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in chemistry from the University of Essex, followed by a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Kent. His postdoctoral research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis laid the foundation for a distinguished academic trajectory, culminating in his faculty appointment and subsequent transition to MSK, where he has consistently contributed to cutting-edge oncology imaging research.

Within SNMMI, Dr. Lewis’s involvement has been multifaceted. His tenure as secretary and treasurer over the past four years coincided with a period of strategic growth and policy development within the society. He is currently the chair of the SNMMI Task Force on Policy and Review Alignment and the SNMMI Committee on Finance. His membership spans committees encompassing radiopharmaceuticals, awards, and the Clinical Trials Network Research Committee, reflecting his broad influence and leadership across scientific, financial, and clinical dimensions of the society.

Dr. Lewis’s editorial contributions also shape the scientific discourse in nuclear medicine, notably through his role as an associate editor of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine since 2016. This position enables him to guide the dissemination of high-impact research, ensuring rigorous peer review and fostering a scholarly milieu that champions innovative molecular imaging modalities, including positron emission tomography (PET) and theranostics.

His leadership credentials extend internationally, having served as president of the World Molecular Imaging Society (WMIS) and the Society of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences (SRS). These roles highlight his global influence and dedication to the advancement of molecular imaging sciences on a worldwide scale. Such leadership roles complement his recognition as a fellow in several esteemed organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and notably, the National Academy of Inventors.

Dr. Lewis’s scientific achievements have garnered numerous prestigious awards, underscoring his contributions to the nuclear medicine field. These accolades include the Paul C. Aebersold Award, the Michael J. Welch Award, and the Dr. Saul Hertz Lifetime Achievement Award from SNMMI, the ACS Glenn T. Seaborg Award for Nuclear Chemistry, and the WMIS Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement. Such recognition attests to his innovative research and leadership in developing radiopharmaceuticals and molecular imaging technologies that have clinical impact.

The 2026-27 SNMMI leadership cohort also includes Heather Jacene, MD, as president, and Gary Ulaner, MD, PhD, FSNMMI, FACNM, as president-elect, all of whom share a commitment to advancing scientific discovery and clinical excellence in molecular imaging. The technologist section leadership similarly reflects leadership aimed at advancing clinical practice and technological innovation in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

At the core of SNMMI’s mission is the dedication to advancing nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics—fields that underpin precision medicine by tailoring diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to individual patient profiles. Under the guidance of leaders like Dr. Lewis, SNMMI is poised to continue driving forward innovations that integrate diagnostic imaging with targeted treatment, enhancing clinical outcomes and expanding the possibilities of personalized medicine.

Dr. Lewis’s appointment heralds a new era at SNMMI, emphasizing synergy between molecular imaging’s scientific foundations and its clinical applications. His strategic focus on education, collaboration, and early-career engagement promises to keep the society at the forefront of medical innovation. As molecular imaging technologies evolve rapidly, the role of guiding institutions and visionary leaders becomes paramount in translating scientific breakthroughs into meaningful clinical benefits.

Driven by a mission to expand the frontiers of molecular imaging and nuclear medicine, Dr. Lewis and the SNMMI will play pivotal roles in orchestrating scientific discourse, policy development, and educational excellence. This trajectory will not only invigorate research communities but also ensure that innovations continue to translate into enhanced patient care paradigms, defining the future landscape of precision oncology and beyond.

Subject of Research: Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Article Title: Jason S. Lewis, PhD, FSNMMI, Named Vice President-Elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

News Publication Date: 2026 Annual Meeting (May 30-June 2, 2026)

Web References:

• Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging: http://www.snmmi.org/

Image Credits: Courtesy of SNMMI

Keywords: Molecular imaging, Nuclear medicine, Positron emission tomography, Personalized medicine, Radiopharmaceuticals, Theranostics, Precision medicine, Oncology imaging

In a significant development within the realm of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, Dr. Gary Ulaner has been appointed as the president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI). This appointment, announced during the SNMMI 2026 Annual Meeting held from May 30 to June 2 in Los Angeles, highlights the growing importance and transformative potential of nuclear medicine in contemporary healthcare. Dr. Ulaner’s expertise and leadership are poised to drive forward innovative research and clinical applications that could redefine patient care, particularly in oncology and molecular diagnostics.

Dr. Ulaner currently holds the James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair of Molecular Imaging and Therapy at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute and serves as a Professor of Radiology and Translational Genomics at the University of Southern California. His multifaceted roles underscore a career dedicated to the integration of molecular imaging technologies and translational research, aligning with the broader goals of personalized medicine and precision oncology. His background exemplifies the merger of academic rigor and clinical application crucial for advancing this rapidly evolving field.

Nuclear medicine, a specialty focused on the use of radioactive substances in diagnosis and therapy, stands at the forefront of precision medicine innovation. The role of the president-elect extends beyond administrative leadership; it includes championing initiatives that fortify research infrastructures, expand educational platforms, and secure funding to nurture the next generation of radiochemistry and nuclear physics professionals. Dr. Ulaner’s vision emphasizes a holistic advancement, where technological innovation dovetails with workforce development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Ulaner’s academic foundation was established at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he earned both his MD and PhD in Cancer Biology. His post-doctoral training involved rigorous residencies in Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Southern California. This robust training has empowered him with a unique perspective that bridges molecular imaging technology, radiopharmaceutical development, and clinical oncology, driving impactful translational research.

Before his current tenure at Hoag Family Cancer Institute, Dr. Ulaner was an Associate Member on a tenure track at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center—a leading institution in cancer research and treatment. At MSK, he developed significant academic and clinical roles that contributed to the institution’s pioneering work in PET imaging and molecular diagnostics. His professional credentials are further reinforced by certifications from the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Nuclear Medicine, underscoring his specialized expertise.

Within the SNMMI, Dr. Ulaner has been an active and influential member, occupying vital leadership positions such as director at large on the board of directors, president of the PET Center of Excellence, and chair of the Mars Shot Campaign—a bold initiative aimed at advancing nuclear medicine research. His multifaceted involvement signals his commitment to driving SNMMI’s strategic objectives, including the formulation of standards, educational outreach, and advocacy for nuclear medicine’s value in clinical practice.

His scholarly contributions are substantial, with over 190 journal articles and more than 300 invited presentations. Dr. Ulaner has contributed to seminal guidelines such as SNMMI’s Appropriate Use Criteria for Fluoroestradiol PET, setting standards that influence clinical decision-making globally. His editorial roles and authorship of textbooks like “Fundamentals of Oncologic PET/CT” demonstrate his dedication to disseminating knowledge and fostering an educated workforce proficient in advanced imaging modalities.

The Mars Shot Campaign, under Dr. Ulaner’s leadership, exemplifies a visionary approach to accelerating research and innovation within nuclear medicine. This initiative targets critical translational gaps, funding high-impact projects that aim to develop novel radiopharmaceuticals and imaging technologies with the potential to revolutionize diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy. Such efforts are crucial in overcoming existing limitations related to imaging biomarkers and personalized treatment monitoring.

Dr. Ulaner’s dedication to education and training extends beyond research innovation. He actively advocates for expanding educational opportunities for nuclear medicine professionals—technologists, clinicians, physicists, and radiochemists—recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of the field. This approach is vital for sustaining a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of molecular imaging and theranostics, transforming patient outcomes in oncology and other disease domains.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ulaner has garnered numerous accolades, including the Susan G. Komen Career Catalyst Award and the Department of Defense Breakthrough Award. His recognition as a Distinguished Investigator by the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research and as a healthcare visionary highlights both his scientific contributions and leadership qualities. Such honors reflect his role as a catalyst for innovation at the interface of cancer biology, imaging science, and clinical oncology.

The SNMMI’s election of new officers alongside Dr. Ulaner—Heather Jacene, MD as president and Jason S. Lewis, PhD as vice president-elect—illustrates a leadership cohort poised to navigate the next frontier of nuclear medicine. Their collective expertise underscores the society’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research, expanding educational horizons, and enhancing policy frameworks to elevate the role of molecular imaging in modern medicine.

As president-elect, Dr. Ulaner’s agenda will involve steering the SNMMI to harness the full potential of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging technologies. These advancements promise not only to enhance the early detection and characterization of malignancies but also to optimize individualized therapy through theranostics—combining targeted diagnostics with personalized treatment regimens. This paradigm shift aligns closely with contemporary trends aimed at achieving superior patient outcomes through precision health strategies.

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging remains at the vanguard of scientific and medical innovation, dedicated to advancing nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics worldwide. Dr. Ulaner’s ascension to the role of president-elect represents a pivotal moment in reinforcing the society’s mission. His leadership is expected to invigorate research efforts, expand educational initiatives, and advocate for policies that solidify the critical role of molecular imaging in the healthcare continuum, driving transformative advances for patients globally.

Subject of Research:
Nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics with a focus on oncologic PET/CT and translational genomics in cancer care.

Article Title:
Gary Ulaner, MD, PhD, Named President-Elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Heralding New Era in Molecular Imaging and Theranostics

News Publication Date:
June 7, 2026

Web References:
http://www.snmmi.org/

Image Credits:
Courtesy of SNMMI

Keywords:
Molecular imaging, Nuclear medicine, Positron emission tomography (PET), Personalized medicine, Theranostics, Oncology imaging, Radiopharmaceuticals, Translational genomics, SNMMI, PET/CT, Radiochemistry, Molecular diagnostics