China’s Innovations in Nuclear Medicine: Global Insights into Clinical Advancements and Impact

In the May 2024 supplement issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, an insightful article by Chen et al. was published: “Advancing Global Nuclear Medicine: The Role and Future Contributions of China” (1). This comprehensive overview not only highlights the remarkable progress made in nuclear medicine within China over the past few decades but also emphasizes the potential contributions of Chinese innovations to the global nuclear medicine community.

As the article meticulously outlines, the evolution of nuclear medicine in China—from the establishment of the first isotope-use training course in 1956 to the recent advancements in PET/CT and the launch of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing regional access to nuclear medicine services—is both inspiring and indicative of a broader commitment to improving health care outcomes. The authorization of over 40 radiopharmaceuticals is a significant milestone that demonstrates the progress and dedication to developing domestically produced medical isotopes (2).

We would like to emphasize the importance of the “mid- and long-term development plan (2021–2035) for medical isotopes” referenced in the article (1). This strategic plan, which aims to bolster self-sufficiency in the production of medical isotopes and promote clinical applications of radiopharmaceuticals, can significantly influence the landscape of nuclear medicine not only in China but worldwide (3). It is imperative that similar strategic initiatives be embraced by other nations to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in this crucial field.

Furthermore, the emerging technologies that are highlighted, particularly total-body PET imaging, have the potential to improve diagnostic capabilities and revolutionize the clinical evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals (4–6). When combined with artificial intelligence, total-body PET/CT image data will play an even greater role (7). The articles within the supplement issue that address breakthroughs in radiopharmaceuticals targeting fibroblast activation protein and other unique markers underscore the innovative spirit evident in Chinese research (2). Such advancements not only will improve patient outcomes in China but also could set new standards for clinical practice globally.

In conclusion, we applaud the authors for their thorough examination of the current status and future trajectories of nuclear medicine in China. We believe that as China continues to make strides in this field, the international nuclear medicine community should actively engage in collaborative research endeavors. By sharing resources, expertise, and data, we can enhance the development of nuclear medicine across borders, ultimately leading to improved patient care and treatment outcomes worldwide.

• © 2025 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

• Received for publication November 20, 2024.
• Accepted for publication December 5, 2024.