Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Nuclear Medicine is a medical specialty that uses radioactive materials to evaluate the function of organs and physiological systems within the body. The mission of the Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging at the University of Minnesota is to apply advanced molecular imaging techniques to deliver patient-centered care. In addition, the Division is committed to leading both established and emerging molecular imaging technologies and to training the next generation of radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians in the Midwest.

Nuclear Medicine plays a critical role in diagnosing a wide range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infection, dementia, and epilepsy by assessing organ function rather than anatomy alone. Small amounts of radioactive substances, known as radiotracers, are administered to patients, and images are acquired using modalities such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). These radiotracers provide functional maps of organs and tissues. Beyond image generation, the acquired data can be quantitatively analyzed, a capability unique to Nuclear Medicine imaging and not achievable with MRI or CT. This allows for the detection of disease processes at earlier stages, often before anatomical changes become apparent.

In addition to diagnostic imaging, Nuclear Medicine uniquely offers molecular radiotherapy for selected cancer types through our dedicated Theranostics Center. The University of Minnesota Theranostics Center has been recognized with the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Theranostics Comprehensive Center of Excellence Award for the past four consecutive years.

Theranostics is an emerging field that integrates molecular imaging with targeted molecular radiotherapy. PET imaging is used to identify tumor sites, followed by molecular radiotherapy in which radioactive particles are delivered via targeted agents that bind specifically to tumor cells, enabling precise treatment.

The molecular radiotherapeutic agents administered at our Theranostics Center include lutetium-177 DOTATATE (Lutathera) for neuroendocrine tumors; lutetium-177 PSMA (Pluvicto) and radium-223 dichloride (Xofigo) for prostate cancer; and iodine-131 for differentiated thyroid carcinoma. These targeted radionuclide therapies demonstrate favorable safety profiles and are associated with meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes and patient-reported quality of life. In parallel, our program maintains a strong focus on translational and investigational research, advancing the development and clinical application of novel diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides, including zirconium-89, actinium-225, lead-203, and lead-212.

The Center for Clinical Imaging Research (CCIR) offers a comprehensive suite of PET imaging services. In addition to oncological PET imaging, the center provides advanced cardiac PET and a full spectrum of brain PET studies. Brain PET services include specialized imaging for dementia, epilepsy, and brain tumors.

Zuzan Cayci, MD

Zuzan Cayci, MD

Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Division Director
Professor

Center for Clinical Imaging Research (CCIR)

M Health Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center - Maple Grove

M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center - East Bank

M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank