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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PET/CT roots out early lung cancer subtypes, may help personalize treatment

Combining fluorodeoxyglucose PET with high-resolution CT can help predict subtypes of early lung adenocarcinoma—a form of cancer that is on the rise.

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Molecular imaging approach advances personalized cancer therapy treatment

With this research, clinicians may further their understanding of which drugs will be most effective for cancer therapy plans.

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Is the future of nuclear medicine, radiology heading in the right direction? Experts take a look

Nuclear radiology is quickly evolving, but recruiting medical students into the field has been a challenge. A new study suggests young trainees aren't fully informed about the growing opportunity.

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New Mexico-based company gains funding, land for new Mo-99 reactor

The reactor is smaller than most, operating at 2 megawatts, and requires less maintenance than larger reactors.

Radiology efforts over past decade led to 20% drop in patient’s radiation dose, report shows

Radiology has undertaken many efforts to reduce patient exposure to radiation during imaging exams, and findings from a new report suggest those campaigns have made a significant impact.

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Researchers optimize PSMA-targeted prostate cancer therapy to reduce negative side effects

The team found they could maintain the positive impact of therapy, while also minimizing its adverse effects.

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Algorithm reduces radiation dose for molecular breast imaging

The algorithm can also reduce imaging time and improve the patient experience.

Novel PET tracer may enhance lung cancer care

PET using a new voltage-sensitive tracer displayed promise for analyzing activity inside the mitochondria of lung cancer tumors, information that may be valuable for predicting a patient's response to treatment.

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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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