Nuclear Medicine
Marshall E. Hicks, M.D.
Department Chair ad interim
Nuclear Medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the use of radioactive substances to diagnose and treat cancer. It plays a crucial role in the comprehensive care of cancer patients by utilizing advanced imaging techniques and therapies. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) scanners, which provide detailed images of the body’s internal structures and metabolic activities. These imaging techniques are essential for accurately detecting, staging, and monitoring various cancers, allowing for precise treatment planning.
In addition to diagnostic imaging, the nuclear medicine department offers targeted therapeutic procedures to treat cancer. These therapies include radiotracer therapy for thyroid cancer and selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) for liver tumors that involve administering radioactive substances that specifically target and destroy cancer cells. The department also engages in cutting-edge research and clinical trials to develop new radiopharmaceuticals and innovative therapies, constantly advancing the field of nuclear medicine. By collaborating with other medical specialties, the nuclear medicine team ensures that each patient receives a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan, integrating the latest advancements in cancer care.
The department is a cohesive team of health care professionals, research scientists and administrative staff. Together in 2023, the Nuclear Medicine team performed more than 25,000 nuclear medicine diagnostic scans, 35,000 PET scans, 8,000 Bone Density (DEXA) scans and 1,000 therapy treatments. In addition to providing clinical nuclear medicine and PET/CT services, our clinicians actively participate in innovative research on new diagnostic and therapeutic agents that could prove to be beneficial to our patients. The Nuclear Medicine team is working hard to integrate innovative diagnostic tracers and therapies to provide state-of-the-art cancer care.
Contact us
Telephone: 713-794-3918
Fax: 713-563-3694
Address
Department of Nuclear Medicine - UNIT 1483
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
P.O. Box 301402
Houston, TX 77230-1402
Referring and scheduling
For information on referring a patient to MD Anderson, visit our Refer a Patient page.
New patients without a referral should visit our appointments page.
New patients who have an imaging referral from an outside health care provider to MD Anderson should call 713-792-7171.
Existing patients who need to schedule or reschedule imaging exams should call their home clinic or care center.
International referrals
The International Center has dedicated staff with global experience to help ease the referral process for international physicians and patients. Contact the International Center at 001-713-745-0450 or via email at international@mdanderson.org.