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. 

RSS icon
Thumbnail

PET/CT offers 'significant prognostic advantage' to patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma

The study, which followed 195 patients recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM), found that a negative PET/CT scan six months after diagnosis and induction therapy was significantly linked with improved survival.

prostate cancer PSA

Total-body PET scanner detects cancer in 60 seconds

The new equipment, which initially will be used to treat prostate and neuroendocrine tumors, is expected to be operational in July.

coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine vaccination

FDG PET/CT radiomics distinguishes between vaccine-related or metastatic breast cancer lymphadenopathy

The findings could help clinicians manage patients’ treatment when the origin of axillary lymphadenopathy is of concern, experts suggested. 

prostate cancer PSA

Combination therapy that includes new radionuclide proves effective for metastatic prostate cancer

The therapeutic combination of 177Lu-PSMA-617 with idronoxil (NOX66) reduced PSA levels in 86% of study participants.

Thumbnail

New radiotracer that detects prostate cancer recurrence produces 'stunning' results

The research focused on a radiopharmaceutical that contains the isotope zirconium 89, which has a significantly longer half-life compared to gallium-68-labelled PSMA ligands.

Thumbnail

Netherlands nuclear reactor has resumed operations after unplanned outage

The supply of medical radioisotopes is expected to normalize in the next two weeks now that the Petten HFR has resumed production.

Thumbnail

SNMMI selects first Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Centers of Excellence

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging's program was established to ensure that institutions adhere to the strict regulatory training, qualification and performance standards necessary to safely deliver radiopharmaceutical therapies.

Radiology leaders speak out in support of Ukraine

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leaders in the radiology community are speaking out and publicly denouncing the aggressions. 

Displaying 81 - 88 of 3687

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
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. 

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

Cardiovascular Business
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.