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.

PET is an energy hog, but relatively rare utilization lessens its carbon footprint. MRI and CT have no such ‘out’
Medical imaging machinery uses a lot of power, and the extent to which it quickens the pace of global warming is becoming clearer.
Researchers identify new PET imaging biomarker capable of predicting immunotherapy success
A newly identified PET imaging biomarker could help providers tailor immunotherapy treatments for patients with certain types of cancers.
Siemens Healthineers inks data sharing deal with Blue Earth to bolster development of prostate cancer AI
Blue Earth will be sharing anonymized clinical data from its Phase 3 Lighthouse trial involving the use of PET imaging agent Posluma.
New PET agent offers 'exceptional' imaging of kidney cancer
The agent was found to be better than standard CT imaging for patients with clear cell renal cell cancer.
New PET technique spots 'smoldering' changes not visible on MRI in the brains of MS patients
The new technique uncovers hidden inflammation in patients who, despite undergoing extensive treatment for the condition, had worsening symptoms.

Medical isotope specialist NorthStar announces new executive hire

Frank Scholz, PhD, will oversee the Beloit, Wisconsin, firm's Mo-99 expansion efforts and new radioisotope development programs, among other duties.

June 21, 2021

Combining AI with cardiac imaging helps predict heart attacks, cardiovascular deaths

The findings were presented virtually during the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging's 2021 Annual Meeting.

June 14, 2021

Imaging advocates offer guidance after reported spate of SPECT/CT payment denials

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging said it’s received “many complaints” from the field pertaining to various commercial payers.

June 7, 2021

‘Partial victory’: Imaging advocates say Humana relenting on some PET/CT payment restrictions

The health insurer reversed its coverage denial for imaging of gastric and esophageal oncologic indications, while other restrictions remain in place.

April 27, 2021

Nuclear medicine groups announce new registry to bolster prostate cancer imaging with SPECT

The Nobody Left Behind or NOBLE Registry aims to establish prostate-specific membrane antigen SPECT imaging as a cost-effective and widely available alternative to PSMA-PET.

April 22, 2021

Healthcare M&A, mergers and acquisitions business deal.

Medical imaging isotope producer Shine finalizes merger with fusion technology specialist

With the help of Phoenix's advanced industrial imaging capabilities, the new entity hopes to ramp up its production of molybdenum-99.

April 21, 2021

Amid COVID-19 vaccine rollout, providers may slowly resume ventilation/perfusion lung scans

SNMMI said V/Q scans can be increasingly incorporated as a normal part of the workup of suspected pulmonary embolism.

April 5, 2021

Bracco announces new partnership with nuclear medicine specialist to expand cardiac PET access

The collaboration with CardioNavix is expected to benefit low-volume centers, community hospitals, physician practices and outpatient imaging locations.

March 29, 2021

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Cardiovascular Business

AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans.

Radiology Business

Google teams with Bayer to address radiologist burnout via AI

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday.

Nuclear Medicine

PET is an energy hog, but relatively rare utilization lessens its carbon footprint. MRI and CT have no such ‘out’

Researchers identify new PET imaging biomarker capable of predicting immunotherapy success

Siemens Healthineers inks data sharing deal with Blue Earth to bolster development of prostate cancer AI

New PET agent offers 'exceptional' imaging of kidney cancer

New PET technique spots 'smoldering' changes not visible on MRI in the brains of MS patients

Around the web