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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Biomolecule optical imaging trumps fluorescence for the small

Imaging small biomolecules in living cells and animals just took a huge leap over the conventional restrictions of fluorescence imaging. Scientists at Columbia University in New York City have developed a means of observing miniscule molecular materials using novel chemistry and physics.

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Alzheimer’s research: Culprit of deadly tau aggregation found

Understanding tau behavior in Alzheimer’s disease could alter the course of diagnostics and therapy development. Research conducted in part by scientists at the Technische Universitat Munchen (TUM) has revealed an essential mechanism of tau deposition and neurodegenerative disease, the institution announced today.

Aptamer-based molecular agents have arrived

Biomarkers built upon aptamers rather than peptides and antibodies offer multiple advantages for molecular imaging and several are currently under development, according to a review published Feb. 13 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

ASNC now taking abstracts for 2014 scientific session

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) announced Feb. 27 that abstract submissions are now being taken for the upcoming ASNC 2014 meeting scheduled for Sept. 18-21 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston.

SPECT tracks colorectal tumor-sniping chemoradiotherapy

A treatment strategy for colon cancer combining molecular imaging, a radioimmunotherapy that seeks colon-specific anatomy and concomitant chemotherapy is being bundled as chemoradiotherapy to take out more metastatic disease, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

PET parameter is better than a visual read for Hodgkin's lymphoma

A reduction of the FDG maximum standardized uptake value is superior to visual analysis for the evaluation of treatment response in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to a study published online Feb. 24 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

New chairman of the board for Varian

Varian Medical Systems out of Palo Alto, Calif., elected Andrew Eckert, 52, as head of the board of directors, the manufacturer of radiation oncology technology announced Feb. 20.

Parkinson’s research opens up for patients with genetic mutations

Patients who carry telltale genetic mutations are being targeted for expanded Parkinson’s research in a major study called the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, led by The Michael J. Fox Foundation, the advocacy group announced Feb. 25.

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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.