Molecular Imaging

Molecular imaging (also called nuclear medicine or nuclear imaging) can image the function of cells inside the body at the molecular level. This includes the imaging modalities of positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. How does PET and SPECT imaging work? Small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) injected into a patient. 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.

Tau tangles on PET scans may signal impending cognitive decline in asymptomatic individuals
New data highlight the significance of tau-positive imaging in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
'Promising' new PET agent for brain metastases put on FDA's Fast Track
Clinical trial results thus far have been promising, representing a significant step forward for the hundreds of thousands of patients affected by brain metastases.
Earlier treatment with Pluvicto may be beneficial for patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
The drug has shown a “clinically meaningful benefit” in these patients, suggesting its potential as an earlier treatment option than previously thought, Novartis reports.
Prostate cancer theranostic, said to match effectiveness of Pluvicto, heads to clinical trial
ART-101 is a prostate-specific membrane antigen-targeting small molecule that can pair with multiple isotopes, including actinium-225, lutetium-177 and terbium-161.
Tariffs not enough to make Siemens Healthineers move production or raise prices—yet
The imaging manufacturer expects to spend between $227 million and $340 million on tariff mitigation efforts, leaders said Wednesday.

Tau tangles on PET scans may signal impending cognitive decline in asymptomatic individuals

New data highlight the significance of tau-positive imaging in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

'Promising' new PET agent for brain metastases put on FDA's Fast Track

Clinical trial results thus far have been promising, representing a significant step forward for the hundreds of thousands of patients affected by brain metastases.

Earlier treatment with Pluvicto may be beneficial for patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

The drug has shown a “clinically meaningful benefit” in these patients, suggesting its potential as an earlier treatment option than previously thought, Novartis reports.

Prostate cancer theranostic, said to match effectiveness of Pluvicto, heads to clinical trial

ART-101 is a prostate-specific membrane antigen-targeting small molecule that can pair with multiple isotopes, including actinium-225, lutetium-177 and terbium-161.

Tariffs not enough to make Siemens Healthineers move production or raise prices—yet

The imaging manufacturer expects to spend between $227 million and $340 million on tariff mitigation efforts, leaders said Wednesday.

PET imaging reveals long-term heart and lung damage from COVID-19

New data highlight the long-lasting effects of the coronavirus, revealing changes that are not detectable by standard medical assessments.

PET method offers new insight into inflammation of the brain

Researchers are hopeful that their technique could improve the diagnosis of conditions associated with neural inflammation.

New PET imaging method could improve our understanding of long COVID

Researchers have developed a new radiotracer that targets one of the virus’ spike proteins, allowing them to track it longitudinally.

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

AI model gets helpful heart assessments out of nongated CT scans

"Using AI for tasks like CAC detection can help shift medicine from a reactive approach to the proactive prevention of disease," one researcher said.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiac imaging pioneer remembered for his joy and enthusiasm

Former American Society of Echocardiography president and well-known cardiac ultrasound pioneer Roberto Lang, MD, died at the age of 73. He helped develop 3D echo technology that is now used by care teams on a daily basis.

Radiology Business

3D Labs: Outsource? In-house? How to be more productive and profitable

Imaging and radiology are in a transition right now as more departments and practices are choosing to bring their 3D labs in-house.