How to cite: Gamie SH. “Advances in Molecular Targeted Imaging (MTI).” Grand Rounds in Urology. November 2025. Accessed Jan 2026. https://grandroundsinurology.com/advances-in-molecular-targeted-imaging-mti/
Summary
Sherief H. Gamie, MD, PhD, Chief & Director, Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Professor of Clinical Radiology, UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California, discusses recent progress in molecular targeted imaging (MTI) with a focus on prostate cancer and expanding applications in other malignancies.
Acknowledging the prevalence of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression in prostate cancers, Dr. Gamie explains how this expression correlates directly with tumor aggressiveness. He uses data to illustrate how consistent expression enables reliable radiotracer targeting, facilitating diagnostic and therapeutic applications
Dr. Gamie notes growing evidence related to PSMA expression in certain renal and pancreatic cancers, specifically the ongoing investigation of actinium-225–based radioligand therapies. He highlights emerging targets for application in imaging and therapy, such as carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9) in patients with renal cell carcinoma.
He reviews advances in hybrid imaging, particularly prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), which enhance lesion localization and enable post-treatment dosimetry. Standardized imaging intervals of approximately 24 hours after radioligand therapy allow accurate evaluation of radiation distribution and critical organ exposure. Dr. Gamie describes how dose quantification supports personalized adjustments in radiopharmaceutical administration beyond traditional empiric regimens.
Dr. Gamie emphasizes that MTI bridges diagnosis and targeted therapy, enabling a data-driven approach to radiation dosing that refines both efficacy and safety in modern theranostics.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sherief H. Gamie, MD, PhD, is the Chief and Director of the Nuclear/Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Program and Professor of Radiology at the University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California. Dr. Gamie specializes in nuclear medicine, with expertise in molecular imaging and theranostics, applying precision-targeted radiopharmaceuticals in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous malignancies.
