Track Descriptions

Track and Category Descriptions

Cardiovascular

Basic Science - Pre-clinical in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo studies in cardiac or vascular disorders using cells and tissues (including of human origin), animal models; camera and computer development specific to the cardiovascular system; studies of novel radiopharmaceuticals and non-nuclear probes for molecular imaging or use of isotopes for therapeutic applications in vascular disorders, including initial evaluation of their potential therapeutic efficacy in pre-clinical models.
Clinical Science - Clinical cardiac and vascular studies. This category includes both PET and conventional instrumentation and radionuclides.
Cardiovascular Young Investigator Award Symposium - SNMMI-sponsored symposium and competition, in association with the SNMMI Cardiovascular Council, for the best scientific abstracts on basic or clinical cardiovascular nuclear medicine. The objectives of the award are to identify promising young investigators working in cardiovascular nuclear medicine. Applicants must be medical students, residents, fellows, or graduate students, or be within 5 years of completing a Ph.D. or certified nuclear medicine training program or other residency or fellowship training program to be eligible for consideration (there is no age limit). All former first-prize winners are ineligible. To be considered for any YIA symposium, submitting authors must check the designated box during abstract submission. Only abstracts submitted to categories within the Cardiovascular track will be considered for this awards symposium
- To be considered for YIA submission(s), the applicant must be either a trainee (for example medical student, resident, fellow, technologist student, radiopharmacy student, or graduate student OR be within 5 years of completing a doctoral program, residency/fellowship training program. There is no age limit for consideration. Exclusions: former first-prize winners are not eligible

Educational Exhibits

Educational Exhibits are abstract submissions representing a review of any clinical or research topic. Although mainly designed for educators and physicians, Educational Exhibits are open to all submitting authors. All submissions must be checked off with “Poster Only” presentation preference. Unlike other submissions, these posters will not include new, original research, but must be educational in nature.

Educational exhibits should be designed to teach or review common nuclear medicine/PET findings, pathologic correlations, procedures, techniques, treatments, and interventions or other aspects related to the practice of nuclear medicine/PET. They can include a single or multi-modality approach, and there is no definite number of cases/procedures to be included. Exhibits should encourage Annual Meeting attendees to learn about current ideas and practices in nuclear medicine/PET and should encourage attendees to return numerous times during the meeting to study the exhibits. Clinically oriented exhibits should be amply illustrated with images.

This program is designed mainly for Nuclear Medicine residents and other young professionals, Nuclear Medicine Program Directors, and Program Directors and Educators in Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Oncology but is open to submissions from all authors.

Nuclear Medicine Technologists and/or Technologist Students submitting an EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT abstract, whether intended to be accepted as an oral or poster presentation, should indicate the following track and category during abstract submission: Track-Technologist Abstracts, Category-Professional Practices & Educational Exhibits (NEW). This will indicate to the Scientific Program Committee that the content of the abstract submission will need to be peer-reviewed by a group of technologists rather than physicians, scientists, and/or pharmacists.

Cardiovascular Sciences - exhibits containing nuclear medicine topics related to basic and clinical sciences in cardiac or vascular disorders
Neurosciences - exhibits containing nuclear medicine topics related to radiotracers (particularly for studying CNS), neurologic and psychiatric disorders with radiopharmaceuticals, and functional brain mapping
Radiopharmaceutical Sciences - exhibits containing nuclear medicine topics related to radiopharmaceutical sciences, radiation dosimetry, and radiobiology
General Clinical Specialties - exhibits containing nuclear medicine topics related to endocrinology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, pediatrics, pulmonary function, and renal function/renovascular hypertension
Oncology - exhibits containing nuclear medicine topics related to basic science, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, and hematological disorders in oncology
Correlative Imaging (including instrumentation, image fusion and data analysis) - exhibits containing nuclear medicine topics related to instrumentation, image generation, image fusion and data analysis
Professional Development & Quality Improvement - exhibits demonstrating innovative teaching or managerial practices, quality improvement projects, studies in diversity, inclusion, or behavioral health and wellness

General Clinical Specialties

Please note that all topics that encompass oncology imaging and therapy should be submitted to respective categories under the Oncology: Clinical Diagnosis track (except for endocrine tumors including thyroid and neuroendocrine malignancies; these abstracts should be submitted to the Endocrinology/Neuroendocrine category).

Clinical investigations of tumors in the CNS should be submitted to the Neurology category in the Neurosciences track.

Non-oncology Endocrinology/Neuroendocrine - Clinical investigations of endocrine/neuroendocrine disorders (excluding malignancies) using diagnostic or therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals; pre-clinical in vitro or in vivo studies using animal models
Gastroenterology - Clinical investigations of hepatobiliary or gastrointestinal diseases; pre-clinical in vitro or in vivo studies using animal models.
Infectious and Inflammatory Disease/Hematology/Musculoskeletal - Clinical investigations of infectious and inflammatory diseases using radiopharmaceuticals; pre-clinical in vitro or in vivo studies using animal models. Clinical investigations of new methods for the clinical assessment of bone, joint and soft tissue pathology using established radiopharmaceuticals, new imaging agents or methods; pre-clinical in vitro or in vivo studies using animal models.
Pediatrics - All clinical and pre-clinical investigations centered on the pediatric population should be submitted here rather than to other sections, e.g., renal, oncology, PET, cardiac, bone, etc.
Pulmonary - New methods for clinical assessment of lung function using radiopharmaceuticals; new imaging agents in clinical trials; effects of pathology, drug, and environmental factors on function; pre-clinical in vitro or in vivo studies.
Renal/Hypertension - New methods for clinical assessment of renal function using established and new radiopharmaceuticals; studies of the effects of pathology, environmental effectors, drug interactions, etc. on function and renovascular hypertension; pre-clinical in vitro or in vivo studies using animal models.
Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research & Radiation Safety - Outcomes-based clinical research; studies comparing different imaging modalities; projects performing analysis either on the accuracy of new or established techniques or evaluations of the cost effectiveness of a technique.

Molecular Targeting Probes-Radioactive & Nonradioactive

Please note that non-radioactive topics include:

Apoptosis
Cellular imaging and trafficking
MR, CT & ultrasound
Optical probes & imaging
Antibody targeting and imaging
Hypoxia
MR spectroscopy
Receptor imaging
Bioluminescence imaging
Imaging DNM Repair
Nanoparticles
Reporter genes
Cardio/Neuro/Oncology MI
In vivo quantification methods
Novel oncologic agents
Stem cell & tissue regeneration

Novel Radiochemistry & Chelation - Radiochemical synthesis and preliminary evaluation of radioactive molecules in cells and/or small animals.
Novel Multimodality & Nonradioactive Probes - Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of multimodality and nonradioactive molecules in cells and/or small animals.
Preclinical Probes for Neuroimaging - In vivo characterization of radioactive OR non-radioactive molecular targeting probes for brain imaging applications.
Preclinical Probes for Oncology - Pre-clinical in vitro or in vivo (animal) characterization of radioactive OR non-radioactive molecular targeting probes for oncology applications.
Probes for Cardiovascular, Endocrine and Other – In vivo characterization of radioactive OR non-radioactive molecular targeting probes for areas not covered under categories 3 and 4, including cardiovascular, cell trafficking, gene imaging, etc.
Automation & Technology Development - Automated synthesis of known or novel probes, developing new equipment relating to molecular imaging such as synthesis modules, scanners, crystals, cyclotron targets, etc.
Radiopharmacy & Clinical Production - Synthesis optimization of known probes, scientific work to adapt probe synthesis methodologies to regulatory compliance, cGMP production of imaging probes, compounding of radiopharmaceuticals for routine clinical use, and related topics. (Pharmacy students must submit abstracts under this category to be considered for oral or poster presentation.)
Dosimetry & Image Analysis - Radiation dosimetry, image analysis, and other scientific reports pertaining to radiation dose calculation, estimation, and regulatory compliance of novel compounds
infection and inflammation in probe development
Radiopharmaceutical Sciences Council (RPSC) Young Investigator Award Symposium - This SNMMI-sponsored symposium and competition, in association with the SNMMI Radiopharmaceutical Sciences Council, is reserved for the best scientific abstracts on radiopharmaceutical chemistry nuclear medicine submitted by young investigators (within 5 years of completion of training). NOTE: Only abstracts submitted to, and accepted for, categories within the Molecular Targeting Probes – Radioactive & Nonradioactive track will be considered for the RPSC Young Investigator Award Symposium.
Center for Molecular Imaging Innovation & Translation (CMIIT) Young Investigator Award (YIA) Symposium - CMIIT-sponsored symposium and competition for the best scientific abstracts that incorporate non-nuclear molecular imaging agents and techniques. Abstracts on dual-labeled nuclear and non-nuclear probes and agents are included. Basic science, pre-clinical, translational, and clinical abstracts will be considered. Applicants must be medical students, residents, fellows, or graduate students, or be within 5 years of completing a Ph.D. or certified nuclear medicine training program or other residency or fellowship training program to be eligible for consideration (there is no age limit).The objective of the CMIIT YIA session is to recognize promising young investigators working in the field of molecular imaging that incorporates non-nuclear techniques. To be considered, authors must check the “CMIIT Young Investigator Award Symposium” checkbox during abstract submission. IMPORTANT NOTE: Abstracts submitted to any track within the Physician/Scientist/Pharmacist role can be considered for the CMIIT YIA Symposium. However, the author may ONLY select either the CMIIT YIA OR a track-specific symposium (e.g., if submitting to Cardiovascular track, submitter can select EITHER Cardiovascular YIA OR CMIIT YIA symposium). Submitters cannot be considered for both symposium competitions.

Neurosciences

Basic and Translational Neurosciences - valuation of radiotracers and non-nuclear probes for molecular imaging for studying the CNS, including assessment of neuroreceptor systems, enzymes, gene expression, metabolic pathways and interaction of drugs with receptor systems (these may be in vitro or in vivo pre-clinical studies using animal models, or initial studies in humans); novel applications or methods of analysis in animals or humans which are not well-established or when the pathology is used as part of the validation of a method or a CNS molecular imaging probe. Includes in vitro and in vivo preclinical and early phase 1 validation of CNS radiotracers
Clinical Neurosciences (including neuro-oncology) - Clinical investigations of neuropsychiatric disorders with established radiopharmaceuticals; clinical studies using newer radiotracers for neuroreceptor systems, enzymes, metabolic pathways, etc., to investigate disease neuropathophysiology; studies of tumors in the CNS; functional brain mapping studies in patients and normal subjects. Clinical investigations of psychiatric disorders with established radiopharmaceuticals; clinical studies using newer radiotracers for neuroreceptor systems, enzymes, metabolic pathways, etc., to investigate the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric disorders are considered broadly and include drug and alcohol abuse, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
Brain Imaging Council (Neurosciences) Young Investigator Award Symposium - SNMMI-sponsored symposium and competition, in association with the SNM Brain Imaging Council, for the best scientific abstracts on neurosciences nuclear medicine. Only abstracts submitted to categories within the Neurosciences Track will be considered for the Brain Imaging Council Young Investigator Award Symposium. Applicants must be medical students, residents, fellows, or graduate students, or be within 5 years of completing a Ph.D. or certified nuclear medicine training program or other residency or fellowship training program to be eligible for consideration (there is no age limit).

Oncology, Basic & Translational

In vitro and In vivo Oncology – intro studies and pre-clinical in vivo (animal) studies - Pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo (animal) studies of radiopharmaceuticals or non-nuclear probes, molecular imaging and therapy related to the pathophysiology, mechanism of action or proof-of-concept in oncology (including preclinical; first in human; Phase 0 or I) should be submitted to this category. Abstracts pertaining to Translational/Preclinical Molecular Imaging in oncology should be submitted to this category.
Early Phase (Phase 0 or I) human studies - Preclinical studies in animal models, or clinical investigations in human subjects, using radiopharmaceuticals or non-nuclear probes as adjuncts to the performance of image-guided invasive therapeutic procedures.
Technical Advances & Quantification (this would include image-guided diagnostics/therapy - Clinical use of quantitative models in oncology; other translational, multidisciplinary, or multimodality investigations combining Molecular Imaging techniques (nuclear or non-nuclear) with those of other disciplines as part of an integrated approach to oncology diagnosis.

Oncology: Clinical Therapy & Diagnosis (includes Phase 2, Phase 3, post approval studies)

Clinical investigations using radiopharmaceuticals in human subjects for the purpose(s) of therapy and diagnosis, initial staging, or restaging of solid tumors or hematologic malignancy, or for the noninvasive monitoring of response to therapy should be submitted to this track. Clinical use of quantitative models in oncology; other translational, multidisciplinary, or multimodality investigations combining Molecular Imaging techniques with those of other disciplines as part of an integrated approach to oncology diagnosis.

Please note:

Clinical investigations centered on tumors in the CNS (primary or metastatic) should be submitted to the Neurology category in the Neurosciences track. Clinical investigations centered on pediatric populations should be submitted to the Pediatric category in the General Clinical Specialties Track.

Endocrinology/Neuroendocrine Clinical Diagnosis and Therapy includes thyroid and NET malignancies

Preliminary (Phase 0 or I) human studies of radiopharmaceuticals intended for applications in oncology diagnosis and therapy should go to Oncology: Basic and Translational

Authors submitting an abstract to the Oncology Clinical Therapy category will have the option to apply for the Therapy Center of Excellence (TCOE) YIA. Those submitting to the Oncology Clinical Diagnosis category, or the Oncology Basic and Translational track are eligible to apply for the Center for Molecular Imaging Innovation and Translation (CMIIT) YIA symposia; however, authors cannot apply to, or be considered for, both TCOE and CMIIT YIA symposia

Breast Cancer
Endocrine/Neuroendocrine Cancers
Thoracic (Lung/Pleura)
GI
GU
GYN
Hematologic Malignancies
Sarcoma/Melanoma
Head and Neck
Other Solid Tumors
Therapy Center of Excellence Young Investigator Award Symposium - SNMMI-sponsored symposium and competition, in association with the SNMMI Therapy Center of Excellence, for the best scientific abstracts on therapy related topics in nuclear medicine. The objectives of this award session are to identify promising young investigators working on nuclear medicine therapy. To be considered, authors must submit their abstract to the Clinical Therapy category in the Clinical Therapy and Diagnosis track and check the “Therapy Center of Excellence Young Investigator Award Symposium” checkbox during abstract submission.

Physics, Instrumentation & Data Sciences

PIDS categories are primarily for the development and evaluation (including comparison) of instrumentation, algorithms, and data analysis methods. Abstracts that present use of new technology but that do not focus on sound evaluation of the technology should be submitted to the relevant clinical specialty. (Abstracts will be evaluated based on their technical merit.)

Instrumentation - Development and evaluation of new instrumentation, new applications of existing instrumentation, and new instrumentation performance evaluation techniques.
Image Generation - Image reconstruction algorithms including comparison of methods; corrections for physical and systematic effects such as scatter, attenuation, and motion; image enhancement and image processing methods.
Data Analysis & Management - statistical analysis methods; radiomics and extraction of image attributes; impact of image acquisition or processing on parameter estimation; image registration techniques. Data management includes topics on image display, image atlases and other ways of organizing or displaying image or non-image data.(Submission to a basic science category in another track, e.g., Neurosciences or Oncology: Basic and Translational, should be considered if an established model is being used in a new clinical or research application.)
Data Sciences - Artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, deep learning, and related data science areas. The emphasis in this category is on developing data science (including deep/machine learning) methodology in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. Abstracts in which there is a greater emphasis on application of existing techniques to specific tasks should be submitted to another PIDS category.
Physics, Instrumentation & Data Sciences Council Young Investigator Award (YIA) Symposium - SNMMI-sponsored symposium and competition in association with the PIDS Council for the best PIDS track abstracts submitted by young investigators.
- Applicants must be in training (graduate or medical students, residents, fellows, or postdocs), or young professional with no more than 5 years of experience following the completion of their training program.
- The first author must also be the presenting author.
- Former first place winners are not eligible to compete.
- All applicants must choose "Oral" as the Presentation Type. (Since part of the assessment is based on the presentation and answering questions).

Technologist

Cardiovascular Sciences - Abstracts reporting investigations of camera, computer and radiopharmaceutical developments, new methods for analysis and technical aspects of established procedures specific to the clinical assessment of the cardiovascular system. This category includes both PET and conventional instrumentation and radionuclides.
Clinical PET - Abstracts reporting investigations of camera, computer and radiopharmaceutical developments, and new methods for analysis and technical aspects of established PET procedures.
Diagnostic & Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine - Abstracts reporting investigations of camera, computer and radiopharmaceutical developments, and new methods for analysis and technical aspects of established nuclear medicine procedures specific to the clinical assessment and therapy.
Instrumentation & Data Analysis - Abstracts reporting investigations of new developments, existing applications and performance and evaluation of nuclear medicine instrumentation and methods and programs available for data analysis not specific to SPECT or PET.
Neurosciences - Abstracts reporting investigations of the technical aspects and/or new methods of analysis for the clinical assessment of CNS function or specific neuropsychiatric disorders using established or new radiopharmaceuticals. Abstracts reporting investigations of camera, computer, and radiopharmaceutical developments, new methods for analysis and technical aspects of established PET procedures – that are specific to the clinical assessment of the central nervous system and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Pre-clinical Studies (in vitro & animal efforts) - Abstracts reporting investigations of camera, computer and radiopharmaceutical developments and new methods for analysis and technical aspects of procedures specific to in vitro or animal studies
Professional Practices & Educational Exhibits - abstracts reporting the evaluation of managerial, educational, and teaching practices, skill sets and professional competencies. This is also the category in which Technologists and/or Technologist Students are to submit abstract(s) intended for the Educational Exhibits track.
Radiopharmaceutical Science, Biology & Dosimetry - Abstracts reporting investigations of radiation safety and/or radiation dosimetry and biology as it pertains to diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine and PET procedures.

Technologists Students

Cardiology - Abstracts reporting investigations of camera, computer, and radiopharmaceutical developments, new methods for analysis and technical aspects of established nuclear medicine procedures specific to the clinical assessment of the cardiovascular system.
General - Abstracts reporting investigations of camera, computer, and radiopharmaceutical developments, new methods for analysis and technical aspects of established nuclear medicine procedures specific to the clinical assessment and therapy. General specialties for the following can be placed in this category: bone/joint, endocrinology, gastroenterology, pediatrics, pulmonary and renal diseases.
PET - abstracts reporting investigations of camera, computer, and radiopharmaceutical developments, new methods for analysis and technical aspects of established PET procedures specific to the clinical assessment and treatment of physical and mental disorders.
Instrumentation - Abstracts reporting investigations of new developments, existing applications and performance and evaluation of nuclear medicine instrumentation and methods and programs available for data analysis.
Radiopharmacy - abstracts reporting investigations of labeled compounds that have not been extensively reported and how they pertain to diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine and PET procedures.
Radiation Safety & Patient Care - Abstracts reporting investigations of radiation safety and/or radiation dosimetry/biology as it pertains to diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine and PET procedures.