IAEA Human Health Series – serie

Integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has evolved since its introduction into the commercial market more than a decade ago. It is now a key procedure, particularly in oncological imaging. Over the last years in routine clinical service, PET/CT has had a significant impact on diagnosis, treatment planning, staging, therapy, and monitoring of treatment response and has therefore played an important role in the care of cancer patients. The high sensitivity from the PET component and the specificity of the CT component give this hybrid imaging modality the unique characteristics that make PET/CT, even after over 10 years of clinical use, one of the fastest growing imaging modalities worldwide. This publication combines over 90 comprehensive cases covering all major indications of fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG)-PET/CT as well as some cases of clinically relevant special tracers. The cases provide an overview of what the specific disease can look like in PET/CT, the typical pattern of the disease’s spread as well as likely pitfalls and teaching points. This PET/CT Atlas will allow professionals interested in PET/CT imaging to embrace the variety of oncological imaging by providing clinically relevant teaching files on the effectiveness and diagnostic quality of FDG-PET/CT imaging in routine applications.

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has been used in routine diagnostic applications and in research since the 1980s. In the following decades, as the clinical application of hybrid imaging has grown, SPECT–computed tomography (SPECT–CT) has demonstrated improved patient management and become fully integrated in the routine diagnostic approach to a variety of clinical indications, including both oncologic and non-oncologic diseases. This IAEA Human Health Series publication presents a review of the published data from recent applications of SPECT–CT across nine different clinical scenarios including neurology, orthopaedics, endocrinology and cardiology, to demonstrate the variety of hybrid imaging in nuclear medicine and support decision making when allocating resources in the health care system. It provides a relevant source of information for nuclear medicine physicians, radiologists and clinical practitioners.

While the use of positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET–CT) is a standard of care in oncological practice in many developed countries, it is still limited in many low to middle income nations. To make reliable information more widely available, the IAEA convened an expert consultant group to review, based on the most recent developments of PET radiopharmaceuticals, Human Health Series No. 9, Appropriate Use of FDG-PET for the Management of Cancer Patients. This, the resulting publication, provides up to date recommendations on the optimal use of PET–CT imaging procedures in oncology. It is written for policy makers and decision makers who allocate resources dedicated to the health care system, a critical issue in the development of nuclear medicine in low and middle income countries. It will also benefit medical imaging practitioners as well as referring physicians.

Accurate measurement of radiation dose received by patients undergoing radiotherapy or medical imaging is essential for ensuring effective and safe healthcare. Equally, accurate measurement of radiation dose is required to guide employers in protecting their workforce from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratories (SSDLs) are specialist laboratories used to provide calibration and guidance for end users in hospitals and industry. This publication provides detailed technical information for countries on how to establish an SSDL, including planning processes, cost estimates and timelines. The technical descriptions and guidelines may also be helpful to existing SSDL radiation metrology staff when upgrading calibration facilities or purchasing new equipment.

Digital mammography offers fundamental advantages over film-based mammography. These include the possibility for acquiring quality images at lower radiation dose image recording, processing and archiving as well as the use of artificial intelligence for improving diagnostic outcome. Other practical advantages include cost reduction, use of environmentally friendly technology, and the option of obtaining remote expert diagnostic opinion. Image quality in mammography is critical. A switch from screen-film technology to a digital system is preferable only if high quality images can be guaranteed. This publication provides guidance on the establishment of digital mammography facilities and the upgrade of existing facilities. It focuses on planning, designing and operating the high quality mammography service within available resources.

A quality health service, as defined by the World Health Organization, 'is one which organizes resources in the most effective way to meet the health needs of those most in need, for prevention and care, safely, without waste and within higher level requirements'. As health care standards improve globally, providing an optimal service that meets international standards and public expectations requires effective quality management. The process of quality improvement aims at defining, measuring and setting quality standards, and overcoming the associated challenges that include rising costs and skills shortages. The objective of this publication is to provide a framework for quality management systems (QMSs) to be implemented, managed and sustained holistically in nuclear medicine departments. It builds upon the IAEA's QUANUM programme, which has successfully been implemented in more than 80 countries worldwide.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant potential to impact processes in science and technology, including in the area of human health. While bringing potential benefits to healthcare, the application of AI systems also introduces new challenges and potential risks. This publication is aimed at clinically qualified medical physicists, who are health professionals uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between complex AI systems and practical clinical applications. It provides comprehensive guidance for the clinical implementation of imaging based AI systems in medical imaging and radiotherapy, addressing the entire process, from the initial assessment of needs through selection, commissioning, ongoing (quality) management and eventual decommissioning. Although the primary focus is on imaging based AI systems, the guidance provided in this publication is broadly applicable to non-imaging based AI systems as well.

This publication provides a general overview of interventional radiology (IR). It presents an evidence-based rationale for establishing, improving and maintaining an IR service consistent with current clinical knowledge benchmarks. A summary is provided of necessary elements for the establishment of an IR clinical service and to ensure its sustainability. The publication includes information on specific challenges faced especially but not uniquely in emerging nations, as well as a defined list of expert recommendations. Safety and quality standards are emphasized in addition to necessary funding, human resources, education, training and certification/recertification, as well as involvement of the main professional societies.