The Department of Nuclear Medicine at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University was established in 1958 when the former Shanghai Medical College (now the Affiliated Hospital of Fudan University) relocated to Chongqing. It is one of the earliest nuclear medicine departments in China and has played a significant role in the development of nuclear medicine in Chongqing Municipality. Over the years, our department has introduced advanced medical imaging technologies to enhance our diagnostic capabilities. In 1989, we introduced the first gamma camera in Chongqing, followed by SPECT in 2003 and upgraded to SPECT/CT in 2008. In 2011, we introduced the third generation of TOF time technology PET/CT and a cyclotron, which significantly advanced molecular imaging diagnosis. In 2020, we further expanded our capabilities by introducing PET/MR, the most sophisticated medical imaging equipment, marking a new era in molecular imaging diagnosis for our department. In addition to our commitment to technological advancements, we have always prioritized providing high-quality medical services. In recognition of our excellence, we were honored with the title of "Chongqing Nuclear Medicine Diagnostic and Treatment Center" by the Chongqing Municipal Health Bureau in 2001. Moreover, we have been approved to become the affiliated unit of the Chongqing Nuclear Medicine Quality Control Center in 2023, further ensuring the quality and standard of our medical practices.
After over 60 years of development, the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University has emerged as a prominent nuclear medicine diagnosis and treatment center in southwest China. We boast advanced equipment, a large-scale facility, and formidable technical expertise, encompassing outpatient clinics, imaging examinations, nuclide treatment wards, and laboratories. With a comprehensive array of sub-specialties, robust technical capabilities, a well-structured academic hierarchy, and a clear developmental trajectory, our department stands as one of China's foremost training grounds for nuclear medicine professionals. The Department of Nuclear Medicine at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University holds several distinctions: it was the earliest institution authorized to confer doctoral degrees in imaging medicine and nuclear medicine in Chongqing; it was also the pioneer in granting master's degrees in these fields in the region. Additionally, it is a designated unit for national clinical key specialty construction projects, holds a deputy directorship in the nuclear medicine specialty of the National Quality Control Center, serves as a national standard training base for nuclear medicine residencies, and is affiliated with the Chongqing Nuclear Medicine Quality Control Center. Furthermore, it holds the titles of the Chongqing Nuclear Medicine Diagnostic and Treatment Center and serves as the Nuclear Medicine Teaching and Research Department.
Human Resources: The Nuclear Medicine Department comprises 39 medical and technical staff members. Among them are 2 individuals with senior titles, 5 with deputy senior titles, 12 holding intermediate titles, 4 postdoctoral fellows, 6 PhD holders, 9 with master's degrees, and 13 with bachelor's degrees. Additionally, we have 1 doctoral supervisor, 4 master's supervisors, 1 distinguished Chongqing Talent-Innovation Leader, 1 Chongqing Nuclear Medicine Professional Academic and Technical Leader, and 1 reserve candidate for the same position.
Technological Advancements: Over the past decade, the Department of Nuclear Medicine has experienced significant growth in its operational capacities. With nearly 50 years of specialized outpatient clinic services, it has garnered substantial recognition in the Southwest region, particularly for post-nuclear treatment follow-up for thyroid diseases, ensuring comprehensive patient care. Furthermore, the department has pioneered the application of image fusion technology, synergizing the functional examination capabilities of SPECT and PET with the morphological insights provided by CT scans, thereby enhancing diagnostic precision. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies such as the third-generation TOF time technology PET/CT, a cyclotron, and SPECT/CT, the imminent introduction of PET/MR in 2020 will further bolster the hospital's capabilities in high-end tumor diagnostics. With a dedicated nuclear therapy specialized ward housing 16 beds, the department stands as one of the few nuclear medicine facilities of such scale in China. Over the past decade, the number of visits for nuclear therapy has steadily increased, reflecting the department's growing influence and patient trust. Notably, the department has established a distinctive expertise in nuclear therapy for thyroid cancer, annually treating over 1,000 patients with remarkable therapeutic outcomes recognized by both clinicians and patients alike. Additionally, the department offers a range of services including nuclide therapy for bone metastatic cancer, 125I-particle implantation therapy for tumors, and nuclide therapy for skin scars, catering to diverse patient needs and improving their quality of life.
Teaching and Research: The Department of Nuclear Medicine at Chongqing Medical University plays a pivotal role in nuclear medicine education, encompassing lectures for 7-year, undergraduate, and international students, as well as conducting demonstration teaching and facilitating production internships. Additionally, the department oversees the standardized residency training for residents and provides advanced training for nuclear medicine practitioners in primary hospitals. Moreover, it offers rotation and internship opportunities for master's degree students specializing in imaging and nuclear medicine. In the realm of research, the department has spearheaded numerous projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Chongqing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, and the Health Bureau. Notably, it has secured 2 National Natural Science Funds, 16 provincial and ministerial achievement awards, and 12 projects at the school and hospital levels. Furthermore, the department boasts an impressive publication record, with over 100 papers to its credit, including 73 SCI papers. Notably, there has been a consistent uptrend in the publication of SCI papers in recent years, showcasing the department's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in the field.
The Department of Nuclear Medicine administers various programs:
1. PET/CT and PET/MR: These technologies integrate CT, MR, and PET, offering precise anatomical localization of lesions alongside detailed molecular information on function and metabolism. The fusion of PET/CT and PET/MR significantly enhances PET's ability to detect small lesions, delineate lesion boundaries accurately, and improve the precision of radiotherapy planning. Early detection of recurrent and metastatic malignancies is crucial for postoperative or post-treatment follow-up. Additionally, these technologies reduce scanning waiting times, provide comprehensive tomographic images of the entire body in multiple directions, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the patient's overall condition. Moreover, our department houses the Sumitomo medical cyclotron, ensuring the timely and safe production of radiopharmaceuticals for PET examinations. Led by a distinguished team of experts, including a professor with over 20 years of clinical experience in imaging and nuclear medicine, the PET Center at the First Affiliated Hospital is committed to providing high-quality services in diagnosis, treatment arrangement, and health assessments, guided by the principle of accountability and patient satisfaction.
2. SPECT/CT and Fusion Imaging: Our department offers a comprehensive array of imaging modalities, including bone imaging, sentinel lymph node imaging, myocardial blood flow and perfusion imaging, lung ventilation/perfusion imaging, thyroid imaging, salivary gland imaging, and renal GFR imaging, among others. Notably, in 2023, we introduced myocardial amyloidosis nuclear imaging, providing an early diagnostic pathway for patients with myocardial amyloidosis. Recently, we have made advancements in the field of diagnostic imaging by developing orbital SPECT/CT imaging. This novel technique is specifically designed to aid in the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning for proptosis associated with hyperthyroidism.
3. Radionuclide Therapy: Our department offers a range of nuclide therapy options, including 131I therapy for residual and metastatic foci of differentiated thyroid cancer, 131I therapy for hyperthyroidism, radioactive particle (125I-particle) implantation therapy, 89Sr nuclide therapy for metastatic bone pain associated with various tumor types, and 32P nuclide therapy for skin scarring.