Final Coordination Meeting and Workshop on Application of SPECT, SPECT/CT and PET/CT on Clinical Paediatric Nuclear Medicine (ICNMP)

The practice of nuclear medicine imaging in sick children is different from that in adults. Childhood (paediatric) nuclear medicine practice refers to examinations done in babies, young children and teenagers (up to 18). Paediatric nuclear medicine imaging is performed to help diagnose life threatening childhood disorders that are infectious, non-infectious, congenital or that develop during childhood, including cancer. Nuclear medicine imaging techniques are used to evaluate children with cancer and other conditions that affect organ systems such as the kidney urinary bladder, bones, liver and gallbladder, gastrointestinal tract, heart, lungs, thyroid and other organs. Nuclear medicine applications in children require a slightly different level of approach with regard to quality control and safety issues.

There is limited expertise in childhood nuclear medicine in the Asian region. With few conferences, training programmes and expertise in this field, the region lags behind the more developed economies in updated knowledge and improved skills compared with adult nuclear medicine practice. This regional project ensures that Member States in the Asian Region will benefit from the mobilization of the basic and advanced knowledge through various learning opportunities in Paediatric Nuclear Medicine, which will help the sick children afflicted with in-born and acquired diseases.

This meeting and workshop aim to:

• Review and assess the current status and role of Nuclear Medicine Techniques in the Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Childhood Cancer and Inborn Diseases (Paediatric Nuclear Medicine) in the Asian region and Pacific Region, focusing on current and emerging applications of SPECT/CT and PET/CT Technology in Paediatric Oncology and other Non-communicable diseases, including In-Borne Diseases.
• Review the project progress and achievements in line with activities implemented and emerging needs of the government parties.