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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ABT implements first Dose on Demand Biomarker Generator in Russia

ABT Molecular Imaging has successfully implemented the first BG-75 Biomarker Generator in Russia. The project was completed in cooperation with the Diagnostic and Treatment Center of the International Institute of Biological Systems (DTC IIBS), St. Petersburg, Russia, and its U.S. representative, Owen Kane Molecular Imaging, Inc. (Owen Kane). 

Marshall, Rotterdam scoring systems comparably predict early TBI deaths

The Marshall and Rotterdam scoring systems can be used to predict early death in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to a study published in the May issue of Academic Radiology. 

Cardiovascular biomarker market could hit $7.2B by 2018

The global market for diagnostic biomarkers detecting cardiovascular disease is expected to soar steadily at a compound annual growth rate of 12.8 percent between 2013 and 2018.

Genomic research could spell new drugs for schizophrenia and other disorders

A partnership between the Broad Institute’s Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research in Cambridge, Mass., and Tetra Discovery Partners based in Grand Rapids, Mich., that pores over the human genome for specific variants in schizophrenia may make way for new pharmaceutical therapies for psychiatric disease, Tetra announced April 9.

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A-synuclein SPECT agent scopes out Parkinson’s

A prospective Parkinson’s imaging agent taps into alpha-synuclein deposition in the brain, developers ICB International announced April 11.

Parkinson's gene promotes deadly protein over-production

Runaway production of proteins tripped off by a genetic mutation may be the culprit in the neurological damage associated with Parkinson’s disease, the National Institutes of Health announced yesterday.

Light-activated nanoparticle cancer drug delivery dazzles

A novel theranostics technique uses dual infrared photon laser beams to release chemotherapy within tumor cells for next-generation imaging biomarker and targeted therapy, according to an announcement from the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Epigenetic circuits reveal glioblastoma stem cells, potential therapy

A small group of proteins called transcription factors that regulate genetic expression tip off the mother cells of very aggressive and therapy-resistant brain cancer, according to Massachusetts General Hospital research announced by the institution yesterday.

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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.