RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Global Issues of Radiopharmaceutical Access and Availability: a Nuclear Medicine Global Initiative Project
JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine
JO J Nucl Med
FD Society of Nuclear Medicine
SP jnumed.120.247197
DO 10.2967/jnumed.120.247197
A1 Cutler, Cathy S
A1 Bailey, Elizabeth A
A1 Kumar, Vijay
A1 Schwarz, Sally W
A1 Bom, Henry Hee-Seung
A1 Hatazawa, Jun
A1 Paez, Diana
A1 Orellana, Pilar
A1 Louw, Lizette
A1 Mut, Fernando
A1 Kato, Hiroki
A1 Chiti, Arturo
A1 Frangos, Savvas
A1 Fahey, Frederic H
A1 Dillehay, Gary
A1 Oh, Seoung Jun
A1 Lee, Dong Soo
A1 Lee, Sze Ting
A1 Nunez-Miller, Rodolfo
A1 Bandopadhyaya, Guru Pad
A1 Pradhan, Prasanta
A1 Scott, Andrew M
YR 2020
UL http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/early/2020/07/09/jnumed.120.247197.abstract
AB The Nuclear Medicine Global Initiative (NMGI) was formed in 2012 by 13 international organizations to promote human health by advancing the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging by supporting the practice and application of nuclear medicine. The first project focused on standardization of administered activities in pediatric nuclear medicine and resulted in two manuscripts. For its second project the NMGI chose to explore issues impacting on access and availability of radiopharmaceuticals around the world. Methods: Information was obtained by survey responses from 35 countries on available radioisotopes, radiopharmaceuticals and kits for diagnostic and therapeutic use. Issues impacting on access and availability of radiopharmaceuticals in individual countries were also identified. Results: Detailed information on radiopharmaceuticals utilized in each country, and sources of supply, was evaluated. Responses highlighted problems in access particularly due to the reliance on a sole provider, regulatory issues and reimbursement, as well as issues of facilities and workforce particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Conclusion: Strategies to address access and availability of radiopharmaceuticals are outlined, to enable timely and equitable patient access to nuclear medicine procedures worldwide. In the face of disruptions to global supply chains by the COVID-19 outbreak, renewed focus on ensuring reliable supply of radiopharmaceuticals is a major priority for nuclear medicine practice globally.