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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Harvard develops atomic MRI

A molecular MRI system that scans at the nanoscale has been developed by a team of physicists at Harvard University, the institution announced yesterday.

New board will advise Gamma Medica molecular breast imaging

Gamma Medica, makers of molecular breast imaging systems, announced April 17 that the company has created a strategic advisory board to counsel the Salem, N.H., based company’s operations.  

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Battle of the Breast Tumor Assays

The genetic tests clinicians use to diagnose and stratify breast cancer are getting increasingly complex and studies show that there may be some discordance between generations when assessing a woman’s risk of cancer recurrence. Molecular subtyping may be the only way to gain clarity. 

Quantitative Alzheimer’s imaging possible with novel biomarker

Typical Alzheimer’s neuroimaging looks at amyloid deposition and neurofibrillary tangles, but a new quantitative method uses arterial input to bring signs of functional disease into sharper relief, according to a study published April 16 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

FDA partners with Alzheimer’s advocacy groups

The FDA is collaborating with a number of Alzheimer’s groups including the Alzheimer’s Association within the community to support the development of new biomarkers and improved diagnosis.

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Women’s infertility may be due to genetic uptick in male hormones

If an ovarian cell carries a certain genetic variant it could spell an excess of androgens much like testosterone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, making it more difficult for them to conceive. This revelation could eventually lead to a diagnostic test and treatment, according to an announcement yesterday from the National Institutes of Health.

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Significant global structural alterations identified between mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s

Significant global structural alterations have been identified in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease using a multivariate analysis of covariance model, according to a study published in the May issue of Academic Radiology. 

Molecular breast cancer imaging may be called on to reduce overdiagnosis

This issue isn't about false positives, it is about subjecting patients to treatment after mammography finds a small lesion, but when in all actuality that spot on the scan poses no real threat to the patient. Some cancers are never progressive and do not require serious treatment when to do so would come with its own risks and potential complications.

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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.