As we enter the final months of the 2026 conference season, and ahead of the 39th Annual EANM Congress this weekend, Study Director Olivier Raguin from our Imaging and Molecular Radiotherapy team joined us to reflect on some of the key themes emerging from nuclear medicine conferences this year.
1. Theranostics Has Featured Prominently.
At the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging conference in June, one of the most visible themes was theranostics. The concept of using closely related compounds for both diagnosis and therapy appeared repeatedly across scientific sessions and reflects growing interest in integrated approaches to patient management.
By combining imaging and treatment within the same biological framework, theranostic strategies aim to improve patient selection, optimize dosing, and support more personalized treatment decisions. The prominence of the topic at SNMMI highlights increasing interest in combining diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities within a single development campaign.
2. Interest in Alternative Therapeutic Isotopes Continues to Expand.
Accounting for over a quarter of radioemitter-based drugs in active preclinical development worldwide, Lutetium-177 remains an important radionuclide and continues to underpin many established and emerging programs, particularly given the recent market debut of Lutetium-177-based Bexlutry this September – the first generic and therapeutically equivalent radioligand drug to be approved by the FDA. However, attention is now increasingly being directed toward a more diverse range of isotopes including terbium-161, lead-212, actinium-225, and astatine-211.
These radionuclides offer distinct physical and biological properties, creating opportunities to tailor therapeutic approaches to different disease settings. The continued exploration of alpha and beta emitters reflects the growing sophistication of the field and the recognition that no single isotope will be optimal for every application.
3. Combination Approaches Are Gaining Momentum.
Another notable theme this year has been the increasing interest in combination strategies. Discussions have centered around combining radionuclide therapy with chemotherapy, external beam radiotherapy, and radiosensitizers to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Presentations have also explored the use of multiple radionuclides within the same treatment strategy, such as pairing beta emitters for larger tumor masses with alpha emitters for smaller lesions or micrometastases. Similarly, the use of two tracers targeting different molecular markers is under discussion as a way to improve tumor coverage and reduce the likelihood of resistance.
These approaches mirror principles already established in conventional oncology, where combination therapies have become standard practice for many indications.
More on combination strategies →
4. New Radiochemistry Strategies Could Improve Efficiency.
Several sessions highlighted advances in radiochemistry and radiotracer synthesis. Researchers presented approaches based on microfluidics and small-volume, multi-well plate technologies that could improve the speed and efficiency of radiopharmaceutical production.
Such methods offer several potential advantages, including reduced reagent consumption, lower waste generation, and decreased production costs. Although these technologies are still evolving, they represent one possible route to supporting the anticipated growth of the radiopharmaceutical market and expanding access to new tracers.
5. Applications Beyond Oncology Continue to Expand.
While oncology remains the dominant focus of radioligand therapies, presentations this year have also explored applications in inflammation, diabetes, opioid receptors, and infectious disease imaging, illustrating the expanding scope of nuclear medicine.
These emerging applications highlight the versatility of radiotracers and the potential for nuclear medicine to address a broader range of diseases beyond cancer. As new targets, isotopes, and imaging strategies continue to be explored, the field is increasingly extending into areas where molecular imaging and targeted delivery may provide valuable clinical insights.
Looking Ahead.
So far this year, nuclear medicine conferences have highlighted a field that continues to evolve across isotope selection, combination strategies, radiochemistry, and translational technologies. As clinical demand increases and the range of available tools expands, innovation is occurring not only at the level of the radionuclide itself, but throughout the broader ecosystem that supports the development and delivery of next-generation radiopharmaceuticals.
We’re also seeing a reflection of broader trends shaping drug development, including growing interest in complementary preclinical technologies and evolving regulatory initiatives aimed at improving translational relevance. While these approaches are still developing, they underscore the increasing emphasis on building more predictive and efficient pathways from discovery to the clinic.
Our next conference will be the European Association of Nuclear Medicine Annual Congress in Vienna from this weekend (October 17 – 21, 2026). If you’re attending, we’d love to meet with you and introduce you to members of our Imaging and Molecular Radiotherapy team.
You can find out more and book a meeting here →
Scientific Contributor
Olivier Raguin
Olivier Raguin is a Study & Research Director & Director of Programs in the Imaging and Molecular Radiotherapy Team. Olivier has been a team member at Oncodesign Services for over 20 years, with a PhD in Biokinetic of Tracers, Radiopharmaceuticals, and a Masters in Radioelements, Radionuclides and Radiochemistry.
