Advances in Nuclear Medicine Mean Patient Protection Needs Strengthening

Nuclear medicine involves using radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic or for therapeutic purposes. Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive tracers given to patients by injection or by mouth, and can be monitored and analysed with imaging techniques and technologies such as gamma cameras, positron emission tomography (PET) scanners and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems.  

The development of new radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and treatment has led to more types of imaging procedures and radionuclide therapies. At the same time, new imaging technologies — such as digital positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), long axial field-of-view PET/CT and digital SPECT/CT — are expected to enter clinical use soon.  

“This meeting highlighted the rapid advancements in nuclear medicine,” said meeting Chair Michael Lassmann, a retired professor from the University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany.  

“While safety protocols  to protect patients, health professionals and the public when using radiopharmaceuticals are commonly used, these developments have led to a clear need for updates in guidance, training, education and regulatory requirements.”

The meeting was attended by health professionals from a wide spectrum of disciplines and professions involving the medical use of ionizing radiation, as well as regulators, educators and researchers from 35 countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and eight international organizations. 

Experts highlighted the importance of optimizing hybrid imaging protocols as well as patient dosimetry practices in therapeutic nuclear medicine. They noted the promising role of artificial intelligence in improving the accuracy and speed of dose calculations, which can be applied to enhance radiation protection. 

“We will work together on developing new IAEA publications and training materials to make sure radiation protection practices, guidance and training materials stay relevant and fully implemented, in particular with respect to new radiopharmaceuticals used in clinical trials and daily practice,” said IAEA Radiation Protection Specialist Vesna Gershan.  

Discussions also covered the need for enhanced training, qualified personnel, increased access to high performance equipment and dedicated dosimetry software in radionuclide therapy, and for assessment of non-standardized practices in medical facilities worldwide. Addressing these challenges would support efforts to improve adherence to safety practices and reduce exposure risks for patients. 

The meeting summary report containing all findings, challenges, conclusions and recommendations can be found here.  

The IAEA offers an elearning course and training material on nuclear medicine, as well as FAQs for professionals and FAQs for patients in its information hub for radiation protection of patients.  

Nuclear medicine and other topics will be addressed at the IAEA International Conference on Radiation Protection in Medicine: X Ray Vision, 8–12 December 2025, Vienna, Austria. Registration information can be found here.