Week in Review: FET-PET for pediatric cancer | ER docs get subpoenas in RI | Time is running out for SalaryScan

Dear AuntMinnie Member,

One of the most amazing things about molecular imaging is the proliferation of radiopharmaceuticals being developed for different clinical applications. This past week, our coverage of PET with one such radiotracer -- F-18 fluoroethyl-tyrosine (FET) -- was the most-viewed article on AuntMinnie.com.

Researchers from Denmark wanted to see if FET-PET could be used instead of additional surgery for pediatric patients with brain and spinal cord tumors. These patients had already undergone surgical tumor resection, but clinicians wanted to make sure there was no residual tumor left behind.

They found that FET-PET provided relevant clinical information in 41% of cases, and in one case identified an additional tumor missed on MRI.

In other molecular imaging news, several nuclear medicine societies weighed in on a proposal by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to relax its rules for who can handle radiopharmaceuticals. Both the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and the American College of Nuclear Medicine think it's a bad idea.

Find out why, and stay up to date on new developments in our Molecular Imaging Community.

ER docs get subpoenas in RI

In other news, a disturbing story has surfaced in Rhode Island, where emergency room (ER) physicians are receiving subpoenas from the state Department of Health for ordering scans incorrectly.

The roots of the story trace back to a consent agreement signed in 2018 between Rhode Island Hospital and state health authorities, relating to several cases of incorrect imaging orders. But after several more cases were reported recently -- in some instances by the ER doctors themselves -- the Department of Health began delivering letters to the doctors accusing them of "medical misconduct."

ER doctors and observers of the situation are worried the letters could backfire, prompting physicians to stop reporting any errors. You'll find the story in our Imaging Leaders Community.

Time is running out for SalaryScan

Finally, you don't have much time left to fill out our SalaryScan survey, which we're using to develop the most current and comprehensive salary database for U.S. radiology professionals. Fortunately, there's still time to participate -- and potentially win one of 10 $100 Amazon gift cards. Just go to salaryscan.auntminnie.com.

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