Dive into Imaging Science | ESMI Podcast

Episode #14: Peter J.H. Scott, University of Michigan

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 14 of “Dive into Imaging Science”!
In this edition, we’re thrilled to welcome a very special guest: Peter Scott!

Peter’s passion for radiochemistry and his dedication to translating research into clinical applications have made a lasting impact on the field of Theranostics – also the central theme of this year’s TOPIM (don’t forget to check it out!). By following Peter’s inspiring career journey, we gain valuable insights into how the field has evolved over the years.

The Scott Lab focuses on using PET radiotracers to deepen our understanding of disease mechanisms and to develop companion diagnostics that support therapeutic innovation. A key focus of Peter’s work is the design and synthesis of novel PET tracers for imaging CNS disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

🎯 This brings us to this episode’s spotlight topic: Radiotheranostics in Alzheimer’s Disease.
Our discussion is sparked by a recent study from the group of Tara E. Mastren at the University of Utah, published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. The paper investigates the use of targeted alpha therapy to reduce Amyloid-β aggregates – an intriguing approach that raises important questions about its potential in Alzheimer’s treatment. We explore the immense potential of radiotheranostics in CNS disorders, as well as key challenges such as delivering compounds across the blood-brain barrier and minimizing effects on healthy tissue.

 Continuing our tradition, we celebrate our guest with a special cocktail. This time, a nod to Peter’s love of gin and his British background. For this edition: the “Bee’s Knees”, a classic from the Prohibition era, with a modern twist inspired by The Gin Vault in Birmingham. A simple, elegant sour to keep us energized — and just the right mix of sharp, sweet, and smooth.

Recipe: 3 parts Gin – 1 part lemon juice – 1 part blood orange juice – ½ part honey syrup.

Selected publication:

Development of a ²¹³Bi-Labeled Pyridyl Benzofuran for Targeted α-Therapy of Amyloid-β Aggregates

Bender AA, Kirkeby EK, Cross DJ, Minoshima S, Roberts AG, Mastren TE. Development of a 213Bi-Labeled Pyridyl Benzofuran for Targeted α-Therapy of Amyloid-β Aggregates. J Nucl Med. 2024 Sep 3;65(9):1467-1472. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.124.267482. PMID: 39054283.