Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine (also called molecular imaging) includes positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Nuclear imaging is achieved by injecting small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) into patients before or during their scan. These can use sugars or chemical traits to bond to specific cells. The radioactive material is taken up by cells that consume the sugars. The radiation emitted from inside the body is detected by photon detectors outside the body. Computers take the data to assemble images of the radiation emissions. Nuclear images may appear fuzzy or ghostly rather than the sharper resolution from MRI and CT.  But, it provides metabolic information at a cellular level, showing if there are defects in the function of the heart, areas of very high metabolic activity associated with cancer cells, or areas of inflammation, data not available from other modalities. These noninvasive imaging exams are used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, bone disorders and other disorders. 

New radiotracers outperform FDA-approved agent for detection of tau tangles.

Radiotracers on FDA’s fast track exceed performance of already approved tau-detecting agent

If approved, the two agents could offer providers greater insight into the process of patients’ neurodegeneration.

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PET scans unlock clues that could help prevent epilepsy induced by head injuries

Post-traumatic epilepsy can be disabling, causing recurrent seizures that are unresponsive to preventive medications in up to 30% of patients.

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Dementia cases are about to skyrocket—how will this affect imaging demand?

Recent projections could create an environment of unprecedented demand for nuclear imaging.

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Experts update AUC for amyloid, tau PET imaging for first time in more than a decade

The new appropriate use criteria define 17 specific clinical scenarios, guiding providers on situations when amyloid or tau imaging are and are not appropriate.

Video of SNMMI President Cathy Cutler explaining the efforts to get U.S. production started for Mo-99 for a domestic supply of nuclear imaging isotopes. #RSNA #SNMMI #RSNA24 #RSNA2024 #isotopeshortage

U.S. moves closer to establishing domestic supply of Mo-99 for nuclear imaging

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging President, Cathy Cutler, explains the long road to jump-starting a new U.S. domestic supply of imaging isotopes.

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Repurposed radiotracer lights up treatment-resistant tumors 'like a Christmas tree'

Use of the new tracer could improve outcomes by enabling providers to adjust treatment regimens much earlier than they have been able to previously. 

Experts publish updated guidance on nuclear imaging for fevers of unknown origin

Fevers of unknown origin account for around 2% of hospitalizations and can present significant diagnostic challenges for providers.

Positron NeuSight PET-CT 64 slice scanner

Positron partners with Upbeat Cardiology Solutions to improve cardiac PET/CT access

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

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