Abstract: Recent progresses in imaging permits various non-invasive molecular imaging in vivo. Among them, positron emission tomography (PET) has recently been applied for quantitative molecular imaging using various molecular probes for human studies. F-18 labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has been commonly used for assessing glucose uptake and metabolism in vivo using PET system.
FDG-PET permits detection and staging of malignant tumors. Thus, this technique is valuable for selecting optimal treatment planning (Precision Medicine). It has recently been used for treatment monitoring and predicting outcome with use of quantitative assessment of FDG uptake in malignant tumors. Furthermore, it holds a new clinical value for suitable radiation planning of malignant tumors.
Most recently, PET has been used in the field of neurology and cardiology as well. PET has a potential for predicting early stage of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, FDG-PET has a new role for identifying active lesions in cardiovascular diseases.
This keynote lecture will cover advantages of molecular imaging by PET and introduction of various clinical applications on oncology, neurology, and cardiovascular fields.

Biography: After graduate from Medical School in Kyoto University in 1978, I have specialized Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging for over 40 years with use of various nuclear medicine radiopharmaceuticals and SPECT/PET system. We have published several key scientific papers in the field of nuclear cardiology during my PhD course. In 1995, I have promoted as professor and director, department of nuclear medicine, Hokkaido University. Since then, I have focused on new clinical and basic studies using PET and molecular imaging. We have published over 500 original articles and over 60 books and chapters in this field. In addition, I have spent a lot of efforts for educating students and young fellows in our field.
I have had three times in studying abroad. I studied in Kansas City, Missouri, USA as an exchange student in high school in 1970-1971. Also, I stayed in Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School as a research fellow in 1984-1986. I worked on renal blood flow measurement in animal models using PET. In addition, I had a chance to apply new portable cardiac function monitor in various cardiac patients. I have published several key papers in these fields. More recently, I visited Munchen Technical University, Germany as a visiting professor for three months in 2002. These chances have helped me for making wonderful friends all over the world, particularly in the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.
After receiving degree of Emeritus Professor in Hokkaido University, I have moved to Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, as a professor in Department of Radiology in 2017. We are managing oncology PET center with in-house cyclotron in this University.
I have received (1) Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine Award in 1990, (2) Georg de Hevesy Nuclear Medicine Pioneer Award in Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) in 1998, (3) SNM Cardiovascular Council, Hermann Blumgart Award in 2009, and (4) Award from Hokkaido Medical Association and Governor of Hokkaido in 2013.