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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Radiologists share keys to reading PET/CT tracer uptake in patients vaccinated against COVID-19

Increased radiotracer uptake in the lymph nodes may result in false-positive findings, according to a letter to the editor published in Radiology.

NorthStar teaming up with cancer therapy leader to bolster global radioisotope supply

Each year nearly 30 million patients benefit from diagnostic imaging exams utilizing the Tc-99m medical radioisotope.

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‘Outdated’ CMS policies crippling patient access to live-saving molecular imaging, advocates warn

The coalition recently urged stakeholders to support the Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2021, which would update “arcane” payment policies.

COVID-19 vaccine-related radiotracer uptake an ‘emerging dilemma’ on PET/CT exams

To avoid misinterpreting imaging findings, UMass Medical School experts suggest scheduling such exams 4-6 weeks after vaccination, when possible.

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FDA-approved PET imaging agent predicts breast cancer patients’ response to new treatment

Oncology experts with the University of Washington in Seattle’s Cancer Research Center shared their findings in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine's February issue.

Automated imaging locks in on brain proteins to detect earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease

By actively tracking amyloid-beta and tau, Massachusetts General Hospital researchers may be able to diagnose the deadly disease earlier. 

New research expands PET imaging time window for patients with rare neuroendocrine tumors

In light of their findings, University of Copenhagen experts also believe 64Cu-labeled PET tracers will become more commonplace for clinical use.

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Amyloid blood testing could cause 50% drop in PET scans required for Alzheimer’s trials

That’s according to a study of more than 400 dementia-free British citizens, shared recently in Brain.

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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.

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