Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics
Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics are rapidly expanding, and UTMB Health is at the forefront of growth with strong institutional support, dedicated faculty, and a program spanning five hospitals, we deliver diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies across oncology, cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, and pulmonary applications.
We oversee eight SPECT and hybrid SPECT/CT systems and two PET/CT scanners. Bone densitometry is provided at multiple sites.
We currently perform clinical PET/CT using FDG and more than 10 radiopharmaceuticals — among the broadest PET clinical formularies in the region. Tracers most active use includes flurpiridaz, PSMA, amyloid brain, tau brain, DOTATATE, and radiolabeled estradiol, enabling highly specific diagnosis.
Our nuclear cardiology program meets the highest clinical standards and quantitative cardiac PET with absolute myocardial blood flow measurement at rest, stress, and coronary flow reserve is routinely done. We share clinical collaboration with the Cardiology faculty. Services include SPECT, SPECT/CT, and PET evaluation of coronary artery disease, cardiac amyloidosis, and myocardial inflammation.
We have a well-established theranostics program, including Lutetium-177 PSMA (Pluvicto) for metastatic prostate cancer and Lutetium-177 DOTATATE (Lutathera) for neuroendocrine tumor therapy. Radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer remains a cornerstone of the practice. In partnership with Interventional Radiology, we deliver Yttrium-90 radioembolization for primary and metastatic liver cancer.
We participate in biomedical imaging research and conduct clinical trials supported by federal grants, private foundations, and industry partnerships. Current investigational focus includes dynamic PET applications in the evaluation of inflammation and neurodegenerative disease. A small-animal SPECT/CT/PET platform supports translational research.
Consistent with departmental academic mission, the division trains radiology residents, and fellows. Our trainees benefit from one of the most clinically diverse and technologically advanced environments in the region.