The HCI Spotlight

Volume XVII | Issue 4 | April 2025

THE HCI SPOTLIGHT

HCI's Monthly Review of the Healthcare Industry

Robert J. Stilley

President, CEO

HeartCare Imaging, Inc.

A Message from the CEO

Dear Colleagues –

For decades, nuclear medicine has been a cornerstone of diagnostic imaging, offering critical insight into how the body functions—not just how it looks. From detecting cancer to evaluating heart and brain conditions, it has long helped physicians see what other imaging modalities can’t.

More recently, PET imaging has expanded beyond oncology into areas like cardiac care, where it offers advanced tools for assessing myocardial perfusion and coronary flow reserve. This evolution is paving the way for something even more powerful: theranostics.

Theranostics—where diagnosis and therapy are combined—represents the future of nuclear medicine. Using the same molecular targets for both imaging and treatment, clinicians can now precisely locate tumors and deliver targeted therapy. Lutetium-based therapies like Lutathera and Pluvicto are already changing care for patients with neuroendocrine and prostate cancers.

At HeartCare Imaging, we’re excited to be part of this transformation. From consulting to delivering comprehensive nuclear medicine services, we’re committed to helping our partners bring cutting-edge care to their communities.

Best Regards,

Visit our Website

Nuclear Medicine

PET method offers new insight into inflammation of the brain

Researchers have developed a novel method for analyzing inflammation of the brain via PET imaging.

Imaging shows why music makes us happy

Thanks to new imaging data, scientists may have discovered why music puts listeners into a good mood.

SPECT/CT predicts overall survival in Pluvicto patients

New evidence supports the use of SPECT/CT scans combined with serum PSA levels over PET/CT scans for evaluating early patient responses to Pluvicto treatment, researchers have reported.

Novel Radiolabeled Antibody Developed for Diagnosis and Treatment of Solid Tumors

A newly developed radiolabeled antibody that targets the cancer antigen IL13Rα2 has been found to be highly specific, binding only to cancer cells and not to the related antigen IL13Rα1, which is widely expressed in healthy tissues. Tested in multiple cancer types, the radiolabeled antibody was effective at delineating malignancies at a low injected mass dose and has the potential to be translated into radioimmunotherapy applications. This research was published in the April issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Radioiodine Therapy Improves Relative Survival Rates of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients

Differentiated thyroid cancer patients who receive radioiodine (RAI) treatment after surgery have increased relative survival rates compared to those who do not receive the treatment..

UM launches new research reactor with $10M deal

The University of Missouri (UM) has inked a $10 million deal with a Korean consortium for the design and licensing of a new nuclear research reactor, NextGen MURR.

Cardiology

Simple consultations in emergency room can help patients manage high blood pressure

A simple consultation during unrelated visits to the emergency room can help patients with high blood pressure -- 'the silent killer' -- manage the condition, even before they experience symptoms, according to new research.

This injected protein-like polymer helps tissues heal after a heart attack

Researchers have developed a new therapy that can be injected intravenously right after a heart attack to promote healing and prevent heart failure.

Link between heart attack severity and circadian rhythm unveiled

The molecular mechanism behind why heart attacks can vary in severity depending on the time of day has been uncovered, potentially paving the way for innovative treatments that align with the natural circadian rhythm.

Medtronic and Abbott make progress on interoperable diabetes tech—is FDA clearance next?

Medtronic and Abbott, two of the world’s leading medtech companies, have made significant progress in their collaboration focused on improving care for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Robotic mitral valve repair linked to benefits for elderly patients

Robotic mitral valve repair is associated with shorter hospitalizations for elderly patients compared to procedures that require a traditional sternotomy, according to new research published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

Atrial Fibrillation Centers of Excellence: The best path forward for high-quality care and better outcomes

The world is in the throes of an atrial fibrillation (AFib) pandemic, one that could potentially get worse in the years ahead due to population growth, economic hardships and rigid resource limitations. The most effective way to combat this pandemic is to develop more AFib Centers of Excellence, according to the Heart Rhythm Society.

Nontraditional risk factors shed light on unexplained strokes in adults younger than 50

Among adults ages 18-49 (median age of 41 years) who were born with a hole in the upper chambers of their heart known as patent foramen ovale (PFO), strokes of unknown cause were more strongly associated with nontraditional risk factors, such as migraines, liver disease or cancer, rather than more typical factors such as high blood pressure.

Handheld device could transform heart disease screening

Researchers have developed a handheld device that could potentially replace stethoscopes as a tool for detecting certain types of heart disease.

GLP-1 use may prevent recurrent arrhythmia events for patients with diabetes, obesity

Diabetes management-dose GLP-1 use reduces recurrent arrhythmic events for patients with atrial fibrillation and obesity.

Cardiovascular Health Following Natural Disasters: The Aftermath on the Heart

AWith each disaster comes unique challenges and consequences. However, the common denominator of acute and chronic health implications remains for all those affected.

Health

Ultraprocessed Foods Linked to Rising Premature Deaths Worldwide

A new study across eight countries shows that higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) is significantly linked to increased premature deaths. Researchers found that each 10% rise in UPFs’ share of total energy intake raises all-cause mortality risk by 3%.

Remembering the cold: Scientists discover how memories control metabolism

New multidisciplinary research shows that the brain forms memories of cold experiences and uses them to control our metabolism.

Common household plastics linked to thousands of global deaths from heart disease, study finds

Synthetic chemicals called phthalates, found in consumer products such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume and children’s toys, may have contributed to more than 10% of all global mortality from heart disease in 2018 among men and women ages 55 through 64, a new study found.

AI model for thyroid cancer diagnosis, with over 90% accuracy and reduced consultation preparation time

An interdisciplinary research team has unveiled the world's first artificial intelligence (AI) model designed to classify both the cancer stage and risk category of thyroid cancer, achieving impressive accuracy exceeding 90%. This innovative AI model promises to significantly cut frontline clinicians' pre-consultation preparation time by approximately 50%, aligning with the HKSAR Government's initiative to harness AI technology in healthcare.

Immunotherapy drug capable of eliminating tumors in some early stage cancers: Study

A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that some people with early stage cancers may be able to skip surgery after being treated with the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab.

Many Long-Term Care Residents Lose All Independence, Study Says

About 20% of people newly admitted to long-term residential care become permanently unable to make everyday decisions for themselves within five years, researchers reported April 23 in JAMA Network Open.

Fathers' Depression Affects Kids' Future Behavior

Undiagnosed or unaddressed depression in fathers can have negative social and behavioral effects on their children that can persist for years, researchers reported recently in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Lifestyle Poses Greatest Risk For Cardiac Arrest

Nearly two-thirds of cardiac arrest cases could be prevented by managing lifestyle, environmental and personal health risks, a new study says.

Health Care Industry News

Bill that would require providers report extravasations of radioactive drugs is back on the House floor

A federal bill that would change how providers report extravasations during nuclear medicine procedures has just been reintroduced to Congress.

The cost of hospital closures in 21 numbers

Hospital closures, specifically in rural and underserved areas, have become a growing concern among many healthcare leaders, as they drive up costs and patient demand for other area facilities while leaving affected communities without proper care access.

Can hospitals ‘weather the storms’?

Financial uncertainty, regulatory shifts, workforce shortages, and rising supply costs are placing unprecedented pressure on healthcare leaders.

Arkansas passes law banning PBMs from owning pharmacies

The law in particular will affect CVS and UnitedHealth, both of which operate physical pharmacies in the state along with specialty and mail-order pharmacy businesses.

Healthcare AI adoption accelerates, but few pilots reach implementation: report

Healthcare leaders are excited about AI, but projects are often held up by security, data and other challenges, according to the analysis.

Neuroscience

Study strengthens link between shingles vaccine and lower dementia risk

A new analysis of a vaccination program in Wales found that the shingles vaccine appeared to lower new dementia diagnoses by 20% -- more than any other known intervention.

Compelling new insights into dynamics of the brain's serotonin system

The study's findings could potentially help develop targeted therapeutics for mood disorders like major depressive disorder.

Noninvasive Sound Wave Therapy Eases Depression and Anxiety

New research shows that low-intensity focused ultrasound can safely target the amygdala and significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. In a double-blind study, patients experienced marked improvements after three weeks of daily, noninvasive ultrasound sessions.

Immune Dysfunction May Drive Alzheimer’s Progression

A new study highlights a potential role for immune system dysfunction in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that neuroinflammation, trained innate immune memory, and cellular reprogramming may interact with amyloid and tau proteins to drive disease pathology.

New Biomarker Enables Early, Accurate Diagnosis of Parkinson’s

Researchers have identified a biomarker in spinal fluid that can detect Parkinson’s disease in its early stages with over 90% accuracy. Using a patented immuno-infrared sensor (iRS) technology, they measured the misfolding of the alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein, a key driver of the disease.

Low and Moderate Exercise May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Decline

New findings from the EXERT study reveal that both low and moderate-high intensity exercise may help preserve cognitive function in older adults with mild memory problems—a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease

HeartCare Imaging, Inc. | Phone: 561-746-6125 | Fax: 561-741-2036 | info@heartcareimaging.com

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