The news summaries appearing in SNM SmartBrief are based on original information from multiple internet sources and are produced by SmartBrief, Inc., an independent e-mail newsletter publisher. The items below are not selected or reviewed by SNM prior to publication. Questions and comments may be directed to SmartBrief at snm@smartbrief.com.

Top Story

• Study: PET changes treatment in patients with head, neck cancer
  Clinicians altered the treatment plans for 34% of 71 patients with untreated head and neck cancer based on prognostic information revealed by PET scans, an Australian study found. The study also showed that PET was able to identify previously unknown primary lesions in some patients. AuntMinnie.com (free registration) (10/8)

	NuView Purchases Exclusive Option for Pancreatic Cancer The University of New Mexico technology provides a combination diagnostic and treatment therapy for pancreatic cancerous and precancerous conditions. The invention includes a radioisotopic somatostatin analog for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. For further information visit NuView Life Sciences www.nuviewinfo.com.
	ADVERTISEMENT

Clinical News & Research

• Nanotech-based process could accelerate cancer-drug discoveries
  U.S. researchers are working on a process that uses nanotechnology to determine the cancer-fighting qualities of chemicals. The "Lab-on-Bead" process could help expedite the discovery of cancer treatments by enabling researchers to test more than a billion potential drug candidates daily. American City Business Journals/Greensboro/Winston-Salem, N.C. (10/7)

Industry Report

• PETNET prepared to step up production of NaF
  PETNET Solutions, a Siemens Medical Solutions subsidiary, said it is ready to increase production of 18F sodium fluoride amid the temporary shutdown of the Petten reactor in the Netherlands that has caused a shortage across Europe of 99m-TC-labeled radiopharmaceuticals. Siemens said NaF PET offers more accuracy and sensitivity in examining both malignant and benign bone lesions than 99m-TC MDP scintigraphy used alone or in combination with SPECT. HealthImaging.com (10/7)

• Conference aims for change in continuing medical education
  Continuing medical education leaders from the U.S. and Canada came together late last month for the Mayo Clinic Consensus Conference on CME. The conference was aimed at transforming CME into an educational enterprise that would not only work to improve the quality of health care services but offer the best professional-development resources available for physicians throughout their careers. MarketWatch/News release/PRNewswire (10/7)

Health Policy

• MedPAC to consider new requirements for financial disclosures
  The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission is set to vote in November on several recommendations for establishing new requirements for the disclosure of financial ties between physicians, drugmakers, medical-device firms and other providers. One of the proposals is to create a national database on doctor and industry relationships to discourage conflicts of interest. HealthImaging.com (10/7)

• CMS steps up fight against fraud with RAC program
  The CMS has launched a national recovery audit contractor program as part of its efforts to identify and prevent Medicare fraud and wasteful spending. The agency will employ new program-integrity contractors to review billing practices and trends across Medicare and will coordinate directly with beneficiaries to prevent discrepancies in the charges for medical equipment or services. HealthImaging.com (10/7)

Grants and Funding

• NIAID awards 25 grants for radiation countermeasures
  The NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has given 25 new grants to advance research in the diagnosis and treatment of radiation exposure after a nuclear attack. Five of the grants were awarded under the Project BioShield Authority rapid-award program and focus on developing new treatments to improve blood platelet regeneration following radiation exposure. NIH News/News release (10/7)

Advancing Health Care

• EHR adoption makes headway in Wisconsin
  Milwaukee-area health systems are working toward the implementation of electronic health records in order to improve patient safety, despite the expense and slow transition periods. Doctors' offices in the Milwaukee area are adopting EHR at a higher rate than in other U.S. regions because many offices are part of larger health systems that have money to invest in such initiatives. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (10/4)

From SNM

• Renew your SNM membership today!
  By renewing your SNM membership today, you are investing in the future of molecular imaging. Your investment ensures that the future is filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. More information.

• Mid-winter meeting -- registration now open
  Join us in Clearwater, Fla., for the 2009 Mid-Winter Educational Symposium. The strength and range of educational content is exceptional and is designed to keep you on top of the latest developments in molecular imaging. Earn up to 25 credits -- register today.

SmartQuote

I'm beginning to understand myself. But it would have been great to be able to understand myself when I was 20 rather than when I was 82." --Dave Brubeck, American jazz pianist