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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AAIC 2014 convenes in Copenhagen

The Alzheimer's Association International Conference is schedule to be held July 12-17 at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark. The meeting will feature many scientific sessions, plenary sessions and symposia dedicated to the most up-to-date Alzheimer's disease research.

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Data uncover genomic signatures of most common lung cancer

Specific genetic mutations in an ear-marked pathway now have been implicated in the development of lung adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent subtype of lung cancer, according to a study published online July 9 in Nature. The discovery of these mutations could hone drug targets for new therapies down the road.

Patients at Henry Ford Wyandotte now receive half-dose nuclear medicine imaging

UltraSpect, provider of the only multi-vendor and most cost-effective imaging solution for meeting the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) low dose guidelines, announces today that Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital in Michigan has upgraded its nuclear medicine (NM) image reconstruction software to UltraSpect Xpress3.Cardiac. As a result, all patients receiving NM exams now have exams in half the time, with half the dose, regardless of the model or age of camera being used.

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AAA financials reveal 30% uptick in sales

An annual financial report from Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA) in Saint-Genis-Pouilly, France, announced yesterday that the company’s sales were up just over 30 percent to almost $80 million.

Protea and InSphero collaborate on 3D preclinical imaging

Protea Biosciences based in West Virginia and Swiss biotech firm InSphero announced this week that the companies are combining their 3D technologies into one preclinical imaging platform.

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Vizamyl amyloid PET agent moves one step closer to CE mark

The European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has given an encouraging nod toward final approval for European marketing of the amyloid-aiming PET agent F-18 flutemetamol (Vizamyl).

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Oligomerix’s anti-tau therapy prospectus to be presented this month

Alzheimer’s therapeutics company Oligomerix announced June 30 that Oligomerix representatives will be presenting the company’s drug development program during poster and scientific sessions at the upcoming Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum of Neuroscience and the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC).

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Global companion diagnostics market reached $26B last year and growing

The market for companion diagnostics was valued at $26 billion in 2013 and is projected to grow at an annual growth rate of 22.9 percent during the next decade, according to a new market research report published in June and announced by Research and Markets.

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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.