The pre-congress symposium of the Annual Meeting of the German Society of Nuclear Medicine in 2026 will be held under the motto

25 Years of PET/CT – A Quarter Century of Transformation in Nuclear Medicine

A milestone that has shaped modern oncological diagnostics 

In 2001, nuclear medicine in Germany reached a milestone: the first PET/CT system was introduced into clinical practice, fundamentally changing diagnostic imaging. A quarter of a century later, this hybrid imaging technology has become an indispensable part of modern medicine – an established standard of care for millions of patients worldwide and firmly embedded in evidence-based guidelines in oncology, neurology, and cardiology. But what has this technology really achieved over the past 25 years? How has it transformed clinical practice? And where will it take us in the decades to come? 

From the early days to routine clinical practice – an impressive evolution 

The early days of PET/CT were characterized by curiosity and scientific pioneering spirit. At the time, nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists had to learn together how to make optimal use of the combined information provided by functional imaging and anatomical precision. Today, we have moved far beyond that: the technology has evolved into an indispensable tool for primary diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and therapy monitoring. It enables us not only to visualize disease processes, but also to understand them at the molecular level. Oncology has benefited most directly – but entirely new perspectives have also emerged in neurodegenerative diseases and endocrinology. What began as a technological innovation has grown into a cornerstone of modern medical care. 

The innovations of the past decade – and what comes next 

Recent technological developments are accelerating this transformation even further: improved detectors enable faster scans with lower radiation exposure. The digital revolution has transformed image reconstruction. And now artificial intelligence is on the horizon – with the potential to automate diagnostics, improve early detection, and enable theranostic concepts in which diagnosis and therapy go hand in hand. These new diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals – particularly in the field of theranostics – are opening up entirely new therapeutic windows. They allow us to plan tailored therapies based on precise diagnostic information and to continuously monitor treatment. 

Join us on this journey through time 

The pre-congress symposium of the 2026 Annual Meeting invites you to explore this fascinating development with us. We will look back at the clinical pioneering work that established PET/CT as a standard of care. We will take stock of the achievements to date and their impact on patient care. And together, we will look ahead to a future shaped by AI-supported diagnostics, precision medicine-based treatment planning, and innovative theranostic concepts. This symposium is an opportunity to discuss the major questions facing our field, learn from one another, and actively help shape the future of our discipline. Be inspired – by the history, the present, and the possibilities that lie ahead. 

Join us: 25 Years of PET/CT – Where Do We Stand? Where Are We Going?