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GUEST: Metin Sitti, Koç University IstanbulWelcome to Episode 18 of “Dive into Imaging Science”! 🎧 Tune in to hear from an inspirational figure and explore how medical devices – whether implanted or intravenously administered – are set to transform the world we live in.. In this edition, we are delighted to introduce a pioneer in the field of bio-inspired miniature robots: Metin Sitti. A recurring theme across many of our episodes is the importance of working in a curious and inspiring environment, and much of Metin’s inspiration came from his time at UC Berkeley. Now the President of Koç University in Istanbul, he takes us on a journey through his career and shares his passion for improving health outcomes using miniature robots. Metin works at the intersection of science, engineering, and technology through the creation of small-scale robotic and intelligent systems. These robots are being developed at a scale that allows them to be administered into the bloodstream and externally controlled to navigate hard-to-reach regions inside the body. His vision is that these innovations will open a new frontier in medical diagnosis and treatment. 🎯 In this episode, we discuss the development of a small bioadhesive ultrasound device for continuous monitoring over 48 hours. Published in Science from the lab of Xuanhe Zhao, the study describes the challenges overcome in developing such a device and its application in humans – including monitoring blood vessels, the lungs, heart, and stomach. Together, we explore the crucial role of materials science in creating this technology, raise philosophical questions about whether continual monitoring is desirable, and consider how this remarkable system could be improved in the future. 🍸 Tonight’s cocktail it’s named the Gecko Grip, inspired partly by traditions of Greece (Crete) and Turkey, so it had to be based on raki, and Metin’s pioneering work on gecko-inspired adhesion. It’s a precise blend of rakı, dry vermouth, fresh lemon juice. Selected Publication: Wang C, Chen X, Wang L, Makihata M, Liu HC, Zhou T, Zhao X. Bioadhesive ultrasound for long-term continuous imaging of diverse organs. Science. 2022 Jul 29;377(6605):517-523. doi: 10.1126/science.abo2542. Epub 2022 Jul 28. PMID: 35901155. Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected] 

GUEST: Rodney Hicks, MelbourneWelcome to Episode 17 of “Dive into Imaging Science”! 🎧 Tune in for a dynamic discussion on how NETTER-2 may reshape treatment strategies for neuroendocrine tumours, what it means for the wider field of theranostics, and where radioligand therapy is headed next. For our seventeenth edition, we are at the stunning Certosa di Pontignano in Tuscany – the home of TOPIM, which focussed this year on Theranostics.  🎯 Suitably, we discuss one of the most important recent studies in the field of nuclear medicine and oncology — the NETTER-2 trial, published in The Lancet in 2024. This landmark phase 3 study was the first to investigate radioligand therapy as a first-line treatment in patients with advanced grade 2–3 gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. The results showed a dramatic improvement in progression-free survival and response rates compared with high-dose octreotide, setting the stage for radioligand therapy as a potential new standard of care.  To guide us through this groundbreaking work, we are joined by a very special guest, Professor Rodney Hicks, a global leader in PET imaging and therapeutic nuclear medicine. Over the past three decades, Rod has been at the forefront of bringing molecular imaging and theranostics from the research lab into routine clinical practice. He has played a pivotal role in shaping how PET is used to diagnose, monitor, and now treat cancer, and his vision has helped establish theranostics as one of the most exciting frontiers in oncology today.  The paper Markita selected for this episode, from Yulong Li’s lab and published in Science, features a sophisticated molecular sensor that reads out dopamine signalling in the brain via far-red fluorescence. 🍸 To top off our series of firsts, Giannis finally had a cocktail with us. For our first live recording, we wantedinitially to connect with Melbourne and Australia… maybe even F1-inspired. But after 10 minutes with Rod, we ditched that plan. His love of Greek mythology led us straight to Absinthe — named after Artemis herself. Fast-forward to a wild hunt across Tuscany, ten taste-tests, and some brilliant Certosa bartenders later, we landed on: The Siena Bliss — Absinthe, Mezcal, Aperol & lime: bold, mythical, and a little Tuscan magic. Selected Publication: [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE plus long-acting octreotide versus high‑dose long-acting octreotide for the treatment of newly diagnosed, advanced grade 2–3, well-differentiated, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETTER-2): an open-label, randomised, phase 3 study. Singh, Simron et al.The Lancet, Volume 403, Issue 10446, 2807 – 2817 Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected] 

GUEST: Markita Del Carpio Landry, UC BerkeleyWelcome to Episode 16 of “Dive into Imaging Science”! 🎧 Tune in for a dynamic discussion on innovative probes work, the function of dopamine in the brain, and how these new imaging tools can be used in the future to reveal new biology. This episode features a truly special guest: Markita Del Carpio Landry, the inaugural Trailblazer Plenary Lecturer at the upcoming EMIM in Ljubljana next March!  "The Trailblazer Lecture celebrates a rising leader in imaging science whose trajectory is unmistakably pointing toward lasting impact and excellence at the highest level. Markita is a perfect fit for such an accolade." In the Landry lab, they have pioneered synthetic bio-mimetic nanocomposites for fluorescence imaging and targeted delivery of biological cargoes.  We talk with Markita about her career path, about the excitement to develop new imaging tools, and how gaining an academic position gave her the freedom to explore biological questions. We also discuss the importance of collaboration in science.  🎯 The paper Markita selected for this episode, from Yulong Li’s lab and published in Science, features a sophisticated molecular sensor that reads out dopamine signalling in the brain via far-red fluorescence. The group describes how this innovative new tool can be multiplexed with other fluorescent readouts of acetylcholine and cyclic AMP. Starting in cells, before progressing to tissue sections, zebrafish, and finally in living mice, they demonstrate the ability to detect multiple neurochemicals simultaneously – quite a feat!  🍸 For this episode a cocktail to celebrate the inauguration of the trailblazer lectures and invites to our podcast. The Champagne Cocktail. Recipe: A sugar cube in a flute glass, coated with Angostura bitters, then a shot of Cognac and top up with Champagne. A twist to the most loved celebration drink! Selected Publication: Yu Zheng et al. In vivo multiplex imaging of dynamic neurochemical networks with designed far-red dopamine sensors. Science 388, eadt7705(2025). DOI:10.1126/science.adt7705 Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected] 

GUEST: Vasilis Ntziachristos🎧 Tune in for a dynamic discussion on how the interplay of light and sound is revolutionizing our understanding of disease. 🎙️ Welcome to Episode 15 of “Dive into Imaging Science”! In this edition, we’re delighted to introduce: none other than Vasilis Ntziachristos as our guest! Vasilis is a distinguished leader in the field of optical and optoacoustic imaging, renowned for his pioneering work in fluorescence molecular tomography, fluorescence-guided surgery, and optoacoustic mesoscopy. But his career didn’t begin there. In this episode, we learn how a shift from physics to engineering – and from NMR to optical imaging – was sparked by the influence of key mentors in the field. With his characteristic charm and charisma, Vasilis reflects on the importance of surrounding oneself with those who challenge boundaries and reimagine what’s possible – an ethos that has defined his own scientific journey.. 🎯 Staying close to home, this episode explores how optoacoustic mesoscopic imaging is being used to study colitis, inspired by research from the labs of Sarah Bohndiek in Cambridge and Adrian Regensburger in Erlangen: Published in Advanced Science, their work introduces a novel ‘transrectal absorber guide’ – an imaging approach that enables visualization of the colon from outside the body. Using this new method, they surprisingly demonstrate how inflammation reduces blood vessel coverage and length but increases vessel diameter. Vasilis walks us through the fundamentals of this technique, and we dive into the nuances of signal acquisition and image segmentation.. 🍸 For this episode it was quite easy to choose. Something that takes us back 20 years or so in Boston and the early days of fluorescence molecular tomography, a drink enjoyed at Sonsie, one of the best bars in downtown Boston at Newbury street: The Grey Goose martini – a twist on the vodka martini cocktail. Recipe: 3 parts Grey Goose Vodka, 1 part dry Vermouth and garnish with cocktail olives. Great things can come in very simple forms. Selected Publication: Buehler A, Brown EL, Nedoschill E, Eckstein M, Ludwig P, Wachter F, Mandelbaum H, Raming R, Oraiopoulou ME, Paulus LP, Rother U, Friedrich O, Neurath MF, Woelfle J, Waldner MJ, Knieling F, Bohndiek SE, Regensburger AP. In Vivo Assessment of Deep Vascular Patterns in Murine Colitis Using Optoacoustic Mesoscopic Imaging. Adv Sci (Weinh). 2024 Dec;11(45):e2404618. doi: 10.1002/advs.202404618. Epub 2024 Oct 22. PMID: 39439243; PMCID: PMC11615813. Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected] 

GUEST: Peter J.H. Scott, University Michigan (Ann Arbor)🎙️ Welcome to Episode 14 of "Dive into Imaging Science"! In this edition, we’re thrilled to welcome a very special guest: Peter Scott! Peter’s passion for radiochemistry and his dedication to translating research into clinical applications have made a lasting impact on the field of Theranostics – also the central theme of this year’s TOPIM (don’t forget to check it out!). By following Peter’s inspiring career journey, we gain valuable insights into how the field has evolved over the years. The Scott Lab focuses on using PET radiotracers to deepen our understanding of disease mechanisms and to develop companion diagnostics that support therapeutic innovation. A key focus of Peter’s work is the design and synthesis of novel PET tracers for imaging CNS disorders. 🎯 This brings us to this episode’s spotlight topic: Radiotheranostics in Alzheimer’s Disease. Our discussion is sparked by a study from the group of Tara E. Mastren at the University of Utah, published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. The paper investigates the use of targeted alpha therapy to reduce Amyloid-β aggregates – an intriguing approach that raises important questions about its potential in Alzheimer’s treatment. We explore the immense potential of radiotheranostics in CNS disorders, as well as key challenges such as delivering compounds across the blood-brain barrier and minimizing effects on healthy tissue. 🍸 Continuing our tradition, we celebrate our guest with a special cocktail — this time, a nod to Peter’s love of gin and his British background. For this edition: the "Bee’s Knees", a classic from the Prohibition era, with a modern twist inspired by The Gin Vault in Birmingham. A simple, elegant sour to keep us energized — and just the right mix of sharp, sweet, and smooth. Recipe: 3 parts Gin – 1 part lemon juice – 1 part blood orange juice – ½ part honey syrup 🎧 Tune in for a deep and dynamic discussion at the intersection of chemistry, imaging, and clinical innovation! Selected Publication: Bender AA, Kirkeby EK, Cross DJ, Minoshima S, Roberts AG, Mastren TE. Development of a 213Bi-Labeled Pyridyl Benzofuran for Targeted α-Therapy of Amyloid-β Aggregates. J Nucl Med. 2024 Sep 3;65(9):1467-1472. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.124.267482. PMID: 39054283. Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected] 

GUEST: Fabian Kiessling, AachenWelcome to the Christmas edition of "Dive into imaging science"! Giannis and Tim have their festive hats on and are wearing their dodgy Christmas jumpers, ready for a cracker (!) of an episode. And we have a very special guest on the show – none other than our current past president, Fabian Kiessling, who heads up the Institute of Experimental Molecular Imaging and the Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering at Aachen University.   We explore how to ‘make the visible invisible’ in the groundbreaking paper from the lab of Guosong Hong at Stanford by achieving optical transparency in live animals using a food dye that’s an ingredient in many potato chips! We conclude that this isn’t, in fact, the end of non-invasive imaging; instead, it opens a new frontier for optical and photoacoustic techniques.   Along the way, we learn that Fabian could have been a policeman if only he hadn’t been “a little bit weak in differentiating red and green” and that being a scientist is very much like being an artist. We discuss reproducibility in science, the importance of co-locating labs and people, and were swept along by Fabian’s passion for imaging science.  Cocktail - Continuing our tradition, we enjoy a special cocktail : It’s a Christmas and Aachen special so what better way to celebrate it with a twist on the Gluehwein Cretan style: Giannis’ own home-made brandy and raki (cretan grappa that is), red wine, cinnamon sticks, cloves, honey and a red orange slice from his garden. Selected Publication: Ou Z, Duh YS, Rommelfanger NJ, Keck CHC, Jiang S, Brinson K Jr, Zhao S, Schmidt EL, Wu X, Yang F, Cai B, Cui H, Qi W, Wu S, Tantry A, Roth R, Ding J, Chen X, Kaltschmidt JA, Brongersma ML, Hong G. Achieving optical transparency in live animals with absorbing molecules. Science. 2024 Sep 6;385(6713):eadm6869. doi: 10.1126/science.adm6869. Epub 2024 Sep 6. PMID: 39236186. Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected] 

GUEST: Elisa Konofagou, New YorkWe continue at full speed with back to back podcasts hosting leaders in the field of molecular imaging. In this edition we welcome Elisa Konofagou and share her passion for ultrasound imaging and its unique capabilities for visualising biology inside the human body. Her group has developed methods for estimating minute deformation as a result of physiological function, such as in the heart and vessels, and displacements induced by the ultrasound wave itself, such as in tumours and nerves. She is particularly interested in translating these technologies to a clinical setting and impacting the improvement of healthcare.  The use of innovative ultrasound imaging to solve a clinical problem is the focus of this edition. The discussion revolves around a paper presenting an artful application of ultrasound localization microscopy to image the hemodynamics of myocardial microvasculature in patients. The paper was recently published from the group of Meng-Xing Tang at Imperial College London in Nature Biomedical Engineering. We discover their breakthrough approach in achieving super resolution, that is resolution beyond the diffraction limit of ultrasound waves, by localizing the position and following the path of circulating microbubbles in the vasculature in a beating human heart. This study presents the potential of ultrasound localisation microscopy to improve the understanding of myocardial microcirculation with a great impact on patients with cardiac microvasculature and coronary heart disease. As a bonus discussion before the end we briefly touch upon the art of choosing how to write a paper: when should we write a detailed paper for a very specific audience, vs making it accessible to generalists? Continuing our tradition, we enjoy a special cocktail dedicated to Elisa’s French connection as well as the chosen paper. For this edition the “French 75”, invented some 100 years ago in Paris. If you want to try it while listening here’s the recipe: 1 measure Gin, ½ measure fresh lemon juice, ½ measure sugar syrup, top up with champagne for some microbubbles! Serve in a flute and garnish with a lemon twist. Selected Publication: Yan J, Huang B, Tonko J, Toulemonde M, Hansen-Shearer J, Tan Q, Riemer K, Ntagiantas K, Chowdhury RA, Lambiase PD, Senior R, Tang MX. Transthoracic ultrasound localization microscopy of myocardial vasculature in patients. Nat Biomed Eng. 2024 Jun;8(6):689-700. doi: 10.1038/s41551-024-01206-6. Epub 2024 May 6. PMID: 38710839; PMCID: PMC11250254. Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected] 

GUEST: John Ronald, London (ON, Canada)Welcome back!  It has been a while but we are back with a bang, having our good friend John Ronald from The Robarts Research Institute in London, Ontario as our guest. John’s group combines advances in molecular and synthetic biology with a multimodal imaging perspective to build new tools for early detection and treatment of cancer, as well as non-invasive monitoring of cell, gene and genome therapies.  One of John’s passions is gene reporter imaging, which is also the main focus of this edition. The paper up for discussion comes from Cynthia Dunbar’s lab at NIH, Bethesda which was recently published in Cell Stem Cell. We discover their approach to non-invasively follow engraftment and maturation of pluripotent stem cells in rhesus macaques with myocardial infarctions, discuss some of the technicalities of engineering autologous cells, and fall in love with the beautiful RNAScope images that are presented. We discuss what makes a good imaging reporter, why one size doesn’t always fit all, and a future where not just cells, but activation states can be imaged. Along the way, John also shares advices received from the wonderful Sanjiv Sam Gambhir on how to improve the chances of getting your grants funded and that supposedly crazy ideas should not be discarded... they might even lead to high impact publications. And of course, true to our tradition, we enjoy a special cocktail. For this edition the “Angry Canadian”, obviously. For the curious listeners: a good measure of Whisky, 2 tablespoons of fine Canadian Maple syrup, a few drops of bitters and 1 teaspoon lemon juice, then top up with soda water. Selected Publication: Lin Y, Sato N, Hong S, Nakamura K, Ferrante EA, Yu ZX, Chen MY, Nakamura DS, Yang X, Clevenger RR, Hunt TJ, Taylor JL, Jeffries KR, Keeran KJ, Neidig LE, Mehta A, Schwartzbeck R, Yu SJ, Kelly C, Navarengom K, Takeda K, Adler SS, Choyke PL, Zou J, Murry CE, Boehm M, Dunbar CE. Long-term engraftment and maturation of autologous iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes in two rhesus macaques. Cell Stem Cell. 2024 Jul 5;31(7):974-988.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.05.005. Epub 2024 Jun 5. PMID: 38843830; PMCID: PMC11227404. https://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/abstract/S1934-5909(24)00182-6 Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected] 

GUEST: Kevin Brindle, Cambridge In this episode we welcome the one and only Kevin Brindle from University of Cambridge. During his long and illustrious career, Kevin pioneered hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a method to map metabolic flux in cancer and other diseases, with implications for treatment response monitoring. We explore how deuterium imaging and [18F]FDG PET can be used to track the metabolic changes that occur soon after stroke and during the recovery phase. We discuss the complementary information that these two techniques provide and whether they could be used to improve clinical outcomes. Along the way, we learn how Kevin could have worked in structural biology or been a painter and decorator... and how he used to meet his wife-to-be in the cold room when he was a postdoc at Oxford. Selected Publication: In vivo imaging of cerebral glucose metabolism informs on subacute to chronic post-stroke tissue status - A pilot study combining PET and deuterium metabolic imaging. Meerwaldt AE, Straathof M, Oosterveld W, van Heijningen CL, van Leent MM, Toner YC, Munitz J, Teunissen AJ, Daemen CC, van der Toorn A, van Vliet G, van Tilborg GA, De Feyter HM, de Graaf RA, Hol EM, Mulder WJ, Dijkhuizen RM. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2023 May;43(5):778-790. doi: 10.1177/0271678X221148970. Epub 2023 Jan 6. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0271678X221148970 Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected] 

GUEST: Mikhail Shapiro, Pasadena In this episode we welcome our famous guest Mikhail Shapiro from Caltech. Mikhail exquisitely combines ultrasound with synthetic biology for gene regulation, imaging, and therapy - and Synthetic biology is surely the common thread in this podcast edition. We discover how an engineered receptor and an intracellular signalling domain, known as ‘synNotch’ can be used to visualise cell-cell communication in vivo. And how this system can be used to identify immune-cancer cell interactions, why it provides far more information than just knowing where the immune cells reside, and the various merits of the three different reporter genes employed for visualisation across scales. We also reveal some insider information into the review process for the selected paper from the senior author John Ronald. Along the way, we speculate why the synNotch system improves NK cell kill and Tim ends up dreaming of sheep jumping over logic gates! Selected Publication: Visualizing cell–cell communication using synthetic notch activated MRI. TianDuo Wang, Yuanxin Chen, Nivin N Nystrom, Shirley Liu, Yanghao Fu, Francisco M Martinez, Timothy J Scholl, and John A Ronald. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2023 Mar 14; 120(11):e2216901120. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2216901120. https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2216901120 Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected]

GUEST: Jason Lewis, New York In this episode we discuss and learn about new PSMA-binding ligands with 161Tb, their biodistribution, dosimetry, preclinical therapy, and their comparison with conventional PSMA ligands. Our guest is one of the leading scientists in radiochemistry for cancer detection and therapy, the wonderful Jason Lewis.  We talk about the importance of using 161Tb - this novel radionuclide for radioligand therapy - and its favorable decay characteristics as compared to 177Lu. We learn about the added value of the emission of Auger electrons which can effectively eliminate micro-metastasis and when combined with ibuprofen-based PSMA ligands offering albumin-binding properties, tumor uptake and therapeutic efficacy are significantly boosted.  Besides this fascinating science, don't miss some very important advice from a very successful scientist in a very competitive environment about work-life balance, prioritising expectations and goals - just never forget to "smell the roses"… Selected Publication: Albumin-Binding and Conventional PSMA Ligands in Combination with 161Tb: Biodistribution, Dosimetry, and Preclinical Therapy. Viviane J. Tschan, Sarah D. Busslinger, Peter Bernhardt, Pascal V. Grundler, Jan Rijn Zeevaart, Ulli Köster, Nicholas P. van der Meulen, Roger Schibli, Cristina Müller. Journal of Nuclear Medicine Jul 2023, jnumed.123.265524; DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.265524 https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/early/2023/07/13/jnumed.123.265524 Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected]

GUEST: Annemie Van Der Linden, Antwerp In this edition of ‘Dive into Imaging Science’ we discuss the brain and the mechanisms that it employs to clear unwanted waste material whilst we sleep with our former ESMI President and Emeritus Professor Annemie Van Der Linden - an outstanding figure and incomparable scientist. We learn how closely coupled this system - known as the glymphatics - is to blood circulation, and how physical stimulation can enhance glymphatic flow in anaesthetised but not awake mice. Along the way, we learn how curiosity and a wondering mind has led Annemie to use a wide range of models to study the brain, from fish to song birds. Selected Publication: Glymphatic influx and clearance are accelerated by neurovascular coupling. Holstein-Rønsbo S, Gan Y, Giannetto MJ, Rasmussen MK, Sigurdsson B, Beinlich FRM, Rose L, Untiet V, Hablitz LM, Kelley DH, Nedergaard M. Nat Neurosci. 2023 Jun;26(6):1042-1053. doi: 10.1038/s41593-023-01327-2. Publication reference: Holstein-Rønsbo S, Gan Y, Giannetto MJ, Rasmussen MK, Sigurdsson B, Beinlich FRM, Rose L, Untiet V, Hablitz LM, Kelley DH, Nedergaard M. Glymphatic influx and clearance are accelerated by neurovascular coupling. Nat Neurosci. 2023 Jun;26(6):1042-1053. doi: 10.1038/s41593-023-01327-2. Epub 2023 Jun 1. PMID: 37264158. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-023-01327-2 Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected]

GUEST: Elisabeth de Vries, Groningen In this episode we talk about nectin-4 - an emerging biomarker for cancer diagnosis and therapy - with one of the most influential and distinguished scientists in medical oncology, Elisabeth de Vries. We talk about the first-in-human study of a radioligand that can target nectin-4 and learn what medical oncologists need to get out from imaging data so that these powerful tools continue to make an impact on patient outcomes. We learn about the importance and best practices for robust clinical trials and the hurdles to both design and finance them. Along the way, we get a glimpse into Elisabeth’s career path and how her research combines nuclear with optical imaging modalities as methods to improve patient diagnosis and treatment. Selected Publication: "First-in-human study of the radioligand 68Ga-N188 targeting nectin-4 for PET/CT imaging of advanced urothelial carcinoma" published in Clinical Cancer research by the authors X. Duan, L. Xia, Z. Zhang, Y. Ren, M. G. Pomper, S. P. Rowe, X. Li, N. Li, N. Zhang, H. Zhu 6, Z. Yang, X. Sheng, X. Yang  (groups from Beijing University and Johns Hopkins University Baltimore). Publication reference: Xiaojiang Duan, Lei Xia, Zhuochen Zhang, Yanan Ren, Martin G Pomper, Steven P Rowe, Xuesong Li, Nan Li, Ning Zhang, Hua Zhu 6, Zhi Yang, Xinan Sheng, Xing Yang. First-in-human study of the radioligand 68Ga-N188 targeting nectin-4 for PET/CT imaging of advanced urothelial carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res. 2023 Apr 24;CCR-23-0609. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-23-0609. https://aacrjournals.org/clincancerres/article-abstract/doi/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-23-0609/726342/First-in-Human-Study-of-the-Radioligand-68Ga-N188 Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected]

GUEST: Bernd Pichler, Tübingen In this episode we learn how a new lensless microscope, costing just $100 (!), can be used to evaluate radiotracer retention in cells, and discuss potential applications for this revolutionary new technology with our famous guest Bernd Pichler. We discuss how this, and other technologies, could be used to assess the heterogeneous cell populations of the tumour microenvironment and identify cell senescence using new radiotracers developed in Bernd’s lab. Selected Publication: "Development of a Lensless Radiomicroscope for Cellular-Resolution Radionuclide Imaging" published in Journal of Nuclear Medicine by the authors Justin S. Klein, Tae Jin Kim and Guillem Pratx (Physical Oncology Lab at Stanford  Medicine). Publication reference: Justin S. Klein, Tae Jin Kim and Guillem Pratx. Development of a Lensless Radiomicroscope for Cellular-Resolution Radionuclide Imaging. J Nucl Med 2023 Mar; 64(3):479-484. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.122.264021. Epub 2022 Sep 15. https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/64/3/479 Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected]

GUEST: Zaver Bhujwalla, Baltimore In this episode we discuss how targeting fibroblasts rather than tumour cells may be an effective strategy for both surgical guided resection and as an anti-cancer therapy with Tim’s “academic grandmother”, Zaver Bhujwalla. We discovered Zaver’s roots as a physicist and mathematician, learned about her (unpredictable) interest in cancer metabolism and how she combines tools to develop a powerful in vitro diagnostic test. Selected Publication: "Design and characterization of fibroblast activation protein targeted pan-cancer imaging agent for fluorescence-guided surgery of solid tumors" published in Journal of Materials Chemistry B, by the the authors Mukkamala R, Lindeman SD, Kragness KA, Shahriar I, Srinivasarao M, Low PS (Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA). Publication reference: Mukkamala R, Lindeman SD, Kragness KA, Shahriar I, Srinivasarao M, Low PS. Design and characterization of fibroblast activation protein targeted pan-cancer imaging agent for fluorescence-guided surgery of solid tumors. J Mater Chem B. 2022 Mar 23;10(12):2038-2046. doi: 10.1039/d1tb02651h. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/TB/D1TB02651H Further information on the European Society for Molecular Imaging: https://e-smi.eu/ Contact: [email protected]