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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Attralus completes financing to validate pan-amyloid nuclear imaging agent

Biopharmaceutical firm Attralus has completed a $25 million Series A financing designed to further validate its AT-01 pan-amyloid radiotracer for PET/CT.

Novel imaging agent helps radiologists visualize inflammation via PET scan

Physicians do not currently have a sound method of zeroing in on this concern, but Washington University researchers may have found an answer. 

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Reusable radiation-absorbing pad slashes exposure by 81% in some interventional radiology situations

Along with conventional equipment such as aprons, collars, shields and caps, reusable pads should be commonplace for these medical staffers, experts wrote recently.

6 things to consider before performing ventilation/perfusion lung scans amid COVID-19

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging recently released its updated guidance on the topic.

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GE Healthcare sells radiopharmacy network to now-largest molecular imaging firm in the U.S.

Radioisotope Life Sciences currently operates 31 pharmacies across 18 states.

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Despite higher Alzheimer’s risk, patients can handle amyloid PET exam results

Those who learned they had elevated amyloid levels did not suffer from more short-term anxiety, depression or suicical thoughts, experts reported in JAMA Neurology.

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Biopharmaceutical firm AC Immune wins funding for ‘game-changing’ Parkinson’s PET agent

The win comes shortly after the Swiss-based company shared positive early results for its radiotracer during the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.

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Lifelong thinking skills create ‘cognitive reserve’ protection against Alzheimer’s-related brain changes

Normal scores on thinking and memory tests at the start of a 14-year-long study were associated with fewer problems later in life, regardless of amyloid brain plaques.

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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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