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#01
Earlier detection
identifies cancer and disease at the molecular level, often years before structural changes appear on CT or MRI
Clinical Advantage
diagnostic
Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging
Nuclear medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating cancer and other diseases using radioactive substances.
nm@cancerinstitutewia.orgAbout the department
See disease from the inside — nuclear medicine & molecular imaging Unlike X-rays or MRI which show anatomy, nuclear medicine scans reveal how your organs and tissues are functioning at the molecular level — detecting disease earlier and with greater precision than any other imaging method.
Message from the Head of Department
We carry forward a legacy that began in 1957 when our founding pioneer, Dr. V.M. Sivaramakrishnan, established one of India’s first nuclear medicine centers. Today, we honor that vision by combining our six decades of experience with cutting-edge molecular imaging and therapeutic technologies. Our department stands at the unique intersection of physics, chemistry, and medicine—using the power of radiopharmaceuticals to see what others cannot see and treat what others cannot reach. Every nuclear medicine scan, every radionuclide therapy, and every diagnostic procedure we perform is driven by one commitment: to provide our patients with the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment possible. We have a dedicated team of physicians, physicists, and technologists who work tirelessly to ensure that each patient receives personalized, evidence-based care with compassion and dignity.
Dr. Ashok Kumar R
Consultant & Incharge - Department of Nuclear Medicine
MOLECULAR INSIGHT
What Makes Us Unique?
Established in November 1957, our department is one of India's pioneering nuclear medicine centers. We were among the first to use radioactive iodine and radioactive gold for cancer diagnosis and treatment - even before the Atomic Energy Establishment began regular isotope supply in 1961. Our founder, Dr. V.M. Sivaramakrishnan, initiated groundbreaking research on radioisotopes and metabolic pathways. Today, we continue this legacy with state-of-the-art gamma cameras and advanced therapeutic nuclear medicine capabilities.
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT
Function, not just structure
Cellular MetabolismReal-Time Biology
Conventional scans — CT, MRI, ultrasound — create detailed pictures of the body's structure. Nuclear medicine imaging goes further: a small amount of a radioactive tracer is introduced into the body and travels to the specific organ, tissue, or cell type being studied. A special camera detects the radiation emitted, creating images that show biological activity in real time.
This means cancer can be detected before a tumour is visible on CT, heart disease can be assessed without invasive procedures, and the spread of disease throughout the entire body can be mapped in a single scan.
WHY IT MATTERS
Key benefits of nuclear medicine imaging
#02
Whole-body in one scan
maps disease throughout the entire body in a single session, enabling complete cancer staging without multiple procedures
Clinical Advantage
#03
Guides treatment decisions
confirms whether a tumour is metabolically active, identifies the best biopsy site, and monitors response to therapy
Clinical Advantage
#04
Non-invasive and safe
delivers targeted diagnostic information with radiation doses similar to a few months of natural background exposure
Clinical Advantage
#05
Unique functional information
assesses organ function (heart, kidney, thyroid, brain) that cannot be obtained from structural imaging alone
Clinical Advantage
OUR IMAGING MODALITIES
Scans we perform
We offer the full range of nuclear medicine and hybrid imaging technologies, each suited to specific clinical questions.
PET/CT
Positron Emission Tomography / Computed Tomography
Combines functional PET imaging with detailed CT anatomy in a single session. The gold standard for cancer staging, restaging, and treatment response assessment.
Uses: Oncology, neurology, cardiology
PET/MRI
Positron Emission Tomography / Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Next-generation hybrid combining PET with the superior soft-tissue contrast of MRI. Ideal for brain, liver, pelvis, and paediatric imaging with lower radiation dose.
Uses: Brain tumours, prostate, paediatric
SPECT/CT
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography / CT
3D functional imaging fused with CT for precise localisation. Widely used for bone scans, cardiac perfusion, and endocrine tumour imaging. Excellent availability and cost-effectiveness.
Uses: Bone scan, cardiac, thyroid, renal function
PSMA PET/CT
Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET/CT
Highly sensitive imaging of prostate cancer using PSMA-targeted tracers (Ga-68 or F-18). Detects recurrence at PSA levels as low as 0.2 ng/mL — far earlier than conventional imaging.
Uses: Prostate cancer staging and recurrence
DOTATATE PET/CT
Ga-68 DOTATATE / DOTATOC PET/CT
The most sensitive scan for detecting neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) throughout the body. Also used to select patients for PRRT therapy and to monitor treatment response.
Uses: Neuroendocrine tumours, PRRT selection
FDG PET/CT
F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT
The most widely used PET scan. FDG is a glucose analogue taken up by metabolically active cancer cells, infection, and inflammation — enabling whole-body disease mapping in one scan.
Uses: Lymphoma, lung cancer, infection, inflammation
Cardiac nuclear imaging
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) · Viability · MUGA
Evaluates blood flow to heart muscle, identifies hibernating myocardium, and assesses heart function. Essential before revascularisation and for monitoring cardiotoxicity of cancer treatments.
Uses: Coronary artery disease, heart failure
Brain PET imaging
Amyloid · Tau · FDG · Dopamine (DaTscan)
Detects Alzheimer's plaques, tau tangles, and dopamine transporter deficits years before symptoms worsen. Distinguishes Parkinson's disease from other movement disorders with high accuracy.
Uses: Dementia, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy
KEY RADIOTRACERS
Common tracers and what they detect
Each tracer is designed to target a specific biological process, receptor, or cancer type. The choice of tracer determines what the scan can see.
| Tracer | Scan type | What it targets | Main use |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-18 FDG | PET/CT | Glucose metabolism | Most cancers, infection, inflammation |
| Ga-68 PSMA | PET/CT | PSMA receptor | Prostate cancer staging and recurrence |
| Ga-68 DOTATATE | PET/CT | Somatostatin receptor | Neuroendocrine tumours |
| F-18 NaF | PET/CT | Bone turnover | Bone metastases, skeletal survey |
| Tc-99m MDP | SPECT/CT | Bone metabolism | Bone scan — metastases, fractures, Paget's disease |
| Tc-99m Sestamibi | SPECT/CT | Myocardial perfusion | Cardiac stress test, parathyroid imaging |
| Tc-99m DTPA | SPECT/CT | Renal function | To evaluate renal GFR |
| Tc-99m HIDA | SPECT/CT | Liver function | Liver function, biliary leakage, biliary system evaluation |
| Tc-99m Sulphur colloid | SPECT/CT | Lymphatic system | Sentinel lymph node evaluation |
| F-18 Florbetapir | PET/MRI | Amyloid plaques | Alzheimer's disease diagnosis |
| I-123 MIBG | SPECT/CT | Adrenergic tissue | Phaeochromocytoma, paraganglioma |
| F-18 FDOPA | PET/CT | Dopamine synthesis | Brain tumours, NETs, movement disorders |
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your scan — step by step
Most nuclear medicine scans follow a similar pathway, with preparation instructions tailored to your specific tracer and clinical question.
1
Referral and scheduling
Your doctor refers you to our department. Our team reviews the request, selects the appropriate tracer, and contacts you to confirm preparation instructions (fasting, medications to hold, hydration).
2
Tracer injection
On arrival, the radiotracer is administered — usually by a simple intravenous injection, occasionally by inhalation or capsule. The dose is tiny and carefully calculated for your body weight.
3
Uptake period
You rest quietly for 30-90 minutes while the tracer distributes to the target tissue. For FDG scans, you will rest in a quiet, warm room to minimise background muscle activity. Uptake time varies for SPECT/CT images based on type of tracer used.
4
Scanning
You lie comfortably on the scanner bed while images are acquired. Most whole-body PET/CT scans take 20-30 minutes. SPECT/CT imaging time varies based on type of scan performed.
5
Reporting and results
A specialist nuclear medicine physician analyses your images and issues a detailed report to your referring doctor. Results are typically available within 48 hours. Our team is happy to discuss findings with patients directly.
PET/CT VS SPECT/CT
Choosing the right scan
Both technologies have important roles. Your nuclear medicine physician selects the best modality for your clinical question based on the target tissue, required sensitivity, and available tracers.
DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
Diagnostic Services & Capabilities
Diagnostic investigations
MOLECULAR IMAGING & THERANOSTIC GUIDES
Your Diagnostic Tests, Explained
Select a nuclear imaging modality or targeted radionuclide therapy below to understand the procedure, preparation, and clinical indications.
Whole-Body F-18 FDG PET/CT Scan
High-resolution metabolic glucose-analogue imaging combining functional positron emission tomography with anatomical 128-slice CT for complete cancer staging, restaging, and therapy response evaluation.
✓Preparation
- Strict fasting for 4 to 6 hours prior to appointment; drink plain water only
- Avoid strenuous physical exercise and heavy muscle exertion for 24 hours prior
- Blood glucose must be under 180 mg/dL at the time of radiotracer injection
✓What to Expect
- Peripheral IV injection of Fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG)
- 60-minute quiet rest in a dedicated uptake room to prevent non-specific muscle uptake
- 20-minute whole-body imaging from skull base to mid-thigh on the hybrid PET/CT scanner
✓Common Indications
- Initial staging, response evaluation, and recurrence detection in Lymphoma and Lung cancer
- Colorectal, breast, esophageal, head and neck, and gynecological cancers
- Evaluating solitary pulmonary nodules and fever of unknown origin (FUO)
✓Contraindications
- Severe uncontrolled hyperglycemia (>200 mg/dL); pregnancy
✓Aftercare
Drink 1 to 2 liters of water over the next few hours to flush the tracer; reports ready in 24–48 hours.
Preventive measures
Diagnosed with cancer requiring nuclear medicine scan for accurate staging
Suspected cancer spread to bones (bone pain, fractures)
Thyroid nodules or confirmed thyroid cancer
Monitoring treatment response after chemotherapy or radiation
Evaluation before and after cancer surgery
Persistent unexplained symptoms with suspected cancer
Abnormal blood tests or tumor markers suggesting cancer
Follow-up imaging for previously treated cancers
Referral from oncologist for nuclear medicine therapy
Second opinion on cancer staging or treatment options
Conditions supported and evaluated
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology and other specialties
When to visit
- When your treating doctor suspects you might have cancer
- When your doctor wants to check response to cancer treatment
- When you are on follow-up after cancer treatment
- When you have any thyroid issues or nodules
- When you require specific theranostic therapy after referral from your treating doctor
Infrastructure & Technology
Facilities and equipment
Diagnostic Imaging Equipment
Equipment Specification
GE Hawkeye Gamma Camera
Advanced dual-head gamma camera with SPECT capability for high-quality nuclear imaging of all organs
Equipment Specification
GE NM 630 Discovery Machine
State-of-the-art nuclear medicine imaging system for precise diagnostic scans
Equipment Specification
Gamma Spectroscopy Machine
Analyzes energy spectrum of gamma radiation for quality control and radiopharmaceutical purity testing
Equipment Specification
ITLC Gamma Analyser Machine
Instant Thin Layer Chromatography system for radiopharmaceutical quality assurance
Equipment Specification
Multiple Laser X-ray Film Printers
High-quality medical image printing systems for producing diagnostic-grade hard copies of nuclear medicine scans
Surgical and Therapeutic Equipment
Equipment Specification
Gamma Probe Machine
Intraoperative radiation detection device used during sentinel lymph node biopsy and tumor localization surgery
Equipment Specification
High Dose Therapy Ward
Dedicated isolation facility with proper radiation shielding for radioiodine therapy and other therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures
Equipment Specification
Two-Bedded Therapy Ward
Comfortable patient rooms equipped with all necessary amenities and radiation safety features
Equipment Specification
Fume Hood in Therapy Ward
Ventilated enclosure for safe handling of radioactive materials in patient care areas
Dosimetry and Quality Control Equipment
Equipment Specification
Dose Calibrator Machine
Precisely measures radioactivity of radiopharmaceuticals before administration to ensure accurate patient dosing
Equipment Specification
Hand and Foot Radiation Monitor
Detects radioactive contamination on hands and feet of staff and patients for safety compliance
Equipment Specification
Pocket Dosimeter
Personal radiation monitoring device worn by staff to track individual radiation exposure levels
Radiation Safety Equipment
Equipment Specification
Multiple LED L-Bench (Fume Hood)
Laminar flow workstations with LED lighting for safe handling and preparation of radiopharmaceuticals
Equipment Specification
Contamination Monitor
Detects and measures radioactive contamination on surfaces and equipment
Equipment Specification
Area Radiation Monitor
Continuously monitors ambient radiation levels in the department to ensure staff and patient safety
Equipment Specification
Lead-Lined Waste Bin
Shielded containers for safe disposal of radioactive waste materials
Equipment Specification
Lead Aprons
Personal protective equipment providing radiation shielding for staff during procedures
Image Processing and Reporting
Equipment Specification
Image Processing and Reporting
Technologist processing nuclear medicine images for diagnostic interpretation
Legacy of the department
- The Department of Nuclear Medicine at Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, holds a distinguished place in India's medical history. Established in November 1957 under the visionary leadership of Dr. V.M. Sivaramakrishnan, M.A., Ph.D., D.R.I.P (Oak Ridge), our department began operations even before the Atomic Energy Establishment at Trombay started their Isotope Division.
- In fact, Dr. Taylor and Dr. V.K. Iya from the Atomic Energy Establishment visited our department to gather information for starting their own isotope division. This speaks volumes about the pioneering status of our department. The Atomic Energy Commission began regular supply of radioisotopes only in 1961 - four years after we had already established nuclear medicine services.
Key achievements
6 Milestones- 01Established in November 1957: One of India's first nuclear medicine departments
- 02Pioneered use of radioactive iodine and gold before national isotope supply began (1961)
- 03Influenced the establishment of Atomic Energy Establishment's Isotope Division
- 04Groundbreaking research in radioisotope applications and metabolic pathways by Dr. V.M. Sivaramakrishnan
- 05First centre to start 131-I therapy in TN
- 06Treated thousands of cancer patients with nuclear medicine over 65+ years
Academic Excellence & Leadership
Teaching, Training & Academic Leadership
Interns 2025
- 3 students
Interns 2026
- 4 students
Third Year Students
- 6 students
Second Year Students
- 5 students
First Year Students
- 5 students
Total Students
- 23 students undergoing training
Our Team
Patient guidance
Frequently asked questions
Is the radiation from nuclear medicine scans safe?
Yes. The doses used are carefully chosen to provide the maximum diagnostic information with the minimum radiation exposure. Most PET/CT scans deliver a radiation dose similar to a few months of natural background radiation. The radiotracer decays and is eliminated from the body within hours to days.
Do I need to fast before my scan?
It depends on the scan. FDG PET/CT requires 4-6 hours of fasting to ensure low blood glucose, which maximises tracer uptake in tumours. Bone scans and most SPECT studies do not require fasting. Your specific preparation instructions will be confirmed when you are booked.
Can I drive after my scan?
For most scans, yes. Exceptions include brain scans where sedation may be used. We recommend drinking plenty of water after your scan to help clear the tracer through your kidneys.
What should I tell the team before my scan?
Please inform us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, are claustrophobic, or have had a recent scan or surgery. Also bring a list of your current medications, as some may need to be held before certain studies.
How long does the whole appointment take?
Allow 2-3 hours for most PET/CT scans, including the uptake period. SPECT/CT scan requires 3-4 hours. Your appointment letter will confirm the expected duration.