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. 

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A global view of Alzheimer’s

In a recent Health Imaging cover story, we looked at the changing demographics of the U.S. and the impact an aging population will have on the rates of a variety of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. There is some good news that is being masked by these projections, however, as research revealed this week at Alzheimer’s Association International Conference showed. 

Proton detectors for better therapy

A cutting-edge detector developed by researchers in the United Kingdom and South Africa stands to spark more effective proton therapy for cancer patients.

PET imaging for myocardial innervation expands with F-18 labeled agent

First-in-human study of an investigational radiotracer, F-18 LMI1195, shows clear imaging of myocardial innervation via the norepinephrine transporter system—tipping off potential adverse cardiac events, according to a study published July 3 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

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Dementia numbers falling in some countries and underestimated in others

New cases of dementia are diminished in developed nations, which could be a sign of the successes of preventative care and reduced risk factors. On the other hand, dementia may have been sorely underestimated in countries with lower and middle incomes, according to research presented during the current Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

AAIC 2014: Alzheimer’s risk factors in sharper relief

A number of factors are standing out as promoters for and protectors against the development of Alzheimer’s disease, according to research presented during the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) being held July 12-17 at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark.

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Amino-acid PET imaging of gliomas in the spotlight

Amino-acid biomarkers have undergone an evolution in the imaging of gliomas. Several agents have shown to be particularly useful, most notably C-11 MET, F-18 FDOPA, FLT and FET, according to a review of amino-acid imaging published July 8 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

FET-PET may monitor treatment response in glioblastoma

Preliminary research shows that O-(2-[18F]-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET) could be used as a biomarker for response to chemoradiotherapy in glioblastoma patients, the University of West Australia School of Medicine announced last week.

Novel optical imaging system tracks toxicity via DNA accumulation

A preclinical imaging system that takes conventional microscopy and transforms it into a molecular imaging platform uses fluorescence and luminescence as well as radioisotope biomarkers and high resolution x-ray. The technique is called intravital microscopy, according to a study published online July 12 in Hepatology.

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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.