See disease from the inside — nuclear medicine & molecular imaging
Advanced Precision Diagnostics. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology since 1954.
“As the Head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine, I carry forward a legacy that began in 1957 when our founding pioneer, Dr. V.M. Sivaramakrishnan, established one of India's first nuclear medicine centers. Today, we honor that vision by combining our six decades of experience with cutting-edge molecular imaging and therapeutic technologies. Our department stands at the unique intersection of physics, chemistry, and medicine—using the power of radiopharmaceuticals to see what others cannot see and treat what others cannot reach. Every nuclear medicine scan, every radionuclide therapy, and every diagnostic procedure we perform is driven by one commitment: to provide our patients with the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment possible. I am privileged to lead a dedicated team of physicians, physicists, and technologists who work tirelessly to ensure that each patient receives personalized, evidence-based care with compassion and dignity.”
Established in November 1957, our department is one of India's pioneering nuclear medicine centers. We were among the first to use radioactive iodine and radioactive gold for cancer diagnosis and treatment - even before national isotope supply began in 1961.
Unlike conventional scans, nuclear medicine focuses on biological function at the molecular level. This allows for earlier detection—identifying cancer often years before structural changes appear on CT or MRI.
Key benefits include whole-body mapping in a single scan for complete cancer staging, guiding treatment decisions by confirming metabolic activity across target tissues.
Both PET/CT and SPECT/CT technologies provide unique functional information for heart, kidney, thyroid, and brain assessment that cannot be obtained from structural imaging alone.
Your doctor refers you to our department. Our team reviews the request, selects the appropriate tracer (targeting glucose, PSMA receptors, somatostatin, etc.), and contacts you to confirm preparation instructions (fasting, medications to hold, hydration).
On arrival, the radiotracer is administered—usually by a simple intravenous injection, occasionally by inhalation or capsule. The dose is tiny and carefully calculated for your body weight.
You rest quietly for 30-90 minutes while the tracer distributes to the target tissue. For FDG scans, you will rest in a quiet, warm room to minimise background muscle activity. Uptake time varies for SPECT/CT images based on the specific tracer used.
You lie comfortably on the scanner bed while images are acquired. Most whole-body PET/CT scans take 20-30 minutes. SPECT/CT imaging time varies based on the type of scan performed.
A specialist nuclear medicine physician analyses your images and issues a detailed report to your referring doctor. Results are typically available within 48 hours. Our team is happy to discuss findings with patients directly.
Yes. The doses used are carefully chosen to provide diagnostic information with minimum exposure. Most PET/CT scans deliver radiation similar to a few months of natural background exposure.
It depends on the scan. FDG PET/CT requires 4-6 hours of fasting to ensure low blood glucose, which maximises tracer uptake. Your specific instructions will be confirmed when booking.
For most scans, yes. Exceptions include brain scans where sedation may be used. We recommend drinking plenty of water after your scan to help clear the tracer.
Inform us if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have diabetes, are claustrophobic, or have had recent surgery. Bring a list of current medications.
Allow 2-3 hours for most PET/CT scans, including the uptake period. SPECT/CT scans may require 3-4 hours.
Our laboratories and diagnostics systems deploy sophisticated assays, high-resolution scans, and meticulous diagnostic analytics for patient care.
PET/CT: Combines functional PET imaging with detailed CT anatomy; gold standard for cancer staging and treatment response.
PET/MRI: Next-generation hybrid with superior soft-tissue contrast; ideal for brain, liver, pelvis, and paediatric imaging.
SPECT/CT: 3D functional imaging fused with CT for precise localisation of bone, cardiac, thyroid, and renal function.
PSMA PET/CT: Highly sensitive imaging of prostate cancer using Ga-68 or F-18 tracers for early recurrence detection.
DOTATATE PET/CT: Most sensitive scan for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and selection for PRRT therapy.
FDG PET/CT: Widely used glucose analogue scan for lymphoma, lung cancer, infection, and inflammation.
Cardiac nuclear imaging: Evaluates blood flow (MPI), viability, and MUGA (heart function) for coronary disease assessment.
Brain PET imaging: Detects Amyloid plaques and Tau tangles for early dementia and Parkinson's diagnosis.
F-18 FDG (Glucose metabolism): Most cancers, infection, inflammation
Ga-68 PSMA (PSMA receptor): Prostate cancer staging and recurrence
Ga-68 DOTATATE (Somatostatin receptor): Neuroendocrine tumours
F-18 NaF & Tc-99m MDP (Bone turnover): Metastases, fractures, Paget's disease
Tc-99m Sestamibi (Perfusion): Cardiac stress test, parathyroid imaging
Tc-99m DTPA (Renal function): GFR evaluation
Tc-99m HIDA (Liver function): Biliary leakage, system evaluation
Tc-99m Sulphur colloid (Lymphatic system): Sentinel lymph node evaluation
F-18 Florbetapir (Amyloid plaques): Alzheimer's diagnosis
I-123 MIBG (Adrenergic tissue): Phaeochromocytoma, paraganglioma
F-18 FDOPA (Dopamine synthesis): Brain tumours, NETs, movement disorders
Oncology: Lung, Lymphoma, Prostate, Breast, thyroid, Colorectal cancer staging and response surveillance.
Neurology: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, Epilepsy focus localisation, and Brain tumour grading.
Cardiology: Coronary artery disease MPI, Heart failure viability, and MUGA cardiotoxicity monitoring.
Specialties: Hyperparathyroidism, Pulmonary embolism (V/Q scan), Fever of unknown origin, and Renal function evaluation.
Dedicated isolation facility with proper radiation shielding for radioiodine therapy and other therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures.
Comfortable patient rooms equipped with all necessary amenities and radiation safety features.
Ventilated enclosure for safe handling of radioactive materials in patient care areas.
Advanced dual-head gamma camera with SPECT capability for high-quality nuclear imaging of all organs.
State-of-the-art nuclear medicine imaging system for precise diagnostic scans.
Analyzes energy spectrum of gamma radiation for quality control and radiopharmaceutical purity testing.
Instant Thin Layer Chromatography system for radiopharmaceutical quality assurance.
High-quality medical image printing systems for producing diagnostic-grade hard copies of nuclear medicine scans.
Intraoperative radiation detection device used during sentinel lymph node biopsy and tumor localization surgery.
Dedicated isolation facility with proper radiation shielding for radioiodine therapy and other therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures.
Comfortable patient rooms equipped with all necessary amenities and radiation safety features.
Ventilated enclosure for safe handling of radioactive materials in patient care areas.
Precisely measures radioactivity of radiopharmaceuticals before administration to ensure accurate patient dosing.
Detects radioactive contamination on hands and feet of staff and patients for safety compliance.
Personal radiation monitoring device worn by staff to track individual radiation exposure levels.
Laminar flow workstations with LED lighting for safe handling and preparation of radiopharmaceuticals.
Detects and measures radioactive contamination on surfaces and equipment.
Continuously monitors ambient radiation levels in the department to ensure staff and patient safety.
Shielded containers for safe disposal of radioactive waste materials.
Professor Nuclear Medicine & Radiation Oncology
MD, DNB, RSO, FEBNM
Scientist D & Radiation Safety Officer - Nuclear Medicine (HDT)
BSC
DMLT
The Department of Nuclear Medicine at Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, established in November 1957, holds a distinguished place in India's medical history. It began operations even before the Atomic Energy Establishment at Trombay started their own Isotope Division, after visiting our department for guidance.
During those early years, our department imported radioactive iodine and gold from Harwell, UK. Dr. Sivaramakrishnan initiated major research programs involving radioisotopes with chelating agents to study metabolic pathways—work that contributed significantly to India's understanding of nuclear applications.
Numerical medicine's unique contribution has always been demonstrating physiological function rather than simple anatomy. Increased uptake of radiopharmaceuticals can demonstrate abnormal pathology months before sufficient bone erosion appears on standard X-rays.
to use the power of radioisotopes to diagnose disease earlier, treat it more effectively, and improve patient outcomes. Same-day reporting is available for urgent oncology and infection cases through our on-site tracer production.
A testament to our pioneering contributions in medical diagnostics, teaching, and clinical research, establishing a stellar national standard.
National Board and NABL accredited laboratories delivering unmatched reliability.
: Established in November 1957 - One of India's first nuclear medicine pioneering departments.
: Pioneered use of radioactive iodine and gold years before national isotope supply began (1961).
: Key influencer for the Atomic Energy Establishment's Isotope Division in Trombay.
Research Excellence: Groundbreaking metabolic pathway studies by founder Dr. V.M. Sivaramakrishnan.
Training & Education: Currently training 23 students across Intern programs (2025/2026) and three years of Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Academic Impact: Total of 12 major publications and conducting M.Sc. Medical Physics classes.
Patient Care: Treated thousands of cancer patients over 65+ years of continuous service.
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Our imaging services are available upon referral from treating physicians.
nuclearmedicine@cancerinstituteadyar.org
For referring physicians: When ordering imaging, please include clinical history, suspected diagnosis, and specific imaging requirements to help our radiologists provide the most accurate interpretation.