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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Novel imaging method limits radiation dosage from PET, SPECT scans

A team of Japan-based researchers have created a medical camera capable of detecting and imaging radiotracers used in both PET and SPECT scans with limited radiation dosage.

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ANSTO to raise prices on its medical isotopes

An Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) spokesman told the Australian the increase will be anywhere from 3-9%.

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Department of Energy awards cooperative agreements to 3 US companies for Mo-99 production

The Department of Energy (DOE)’s National Nuclear Security Administration has awarded cooperative agreements for the production of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) to three U.S. companies, including NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes.

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SNMMI, MITA host briefing to discuss expanding access to radiopharmaceuticals

Industry leaders, including the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA), hosted a Capitol Hill Briefing July 17, to discuss a bipartisan bill that would expand patient access to diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.

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NorthStar wraps up construction of new Mo-99 facility

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes has finished construction of its new molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) processing facility in Beloit, Wisconsin, the company announced on July 16.

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PET tracer can help ID early signs of MS progression

A novel PET radiotracer can help identify changes in the brain’s grey matter that may be indicative of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a pilot study published in the July issue of Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation.

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Interim PET scan during prostate cancer therapy tailors treatment

Adding a scan during a patient’s prostate cancer therapy can help personalize treatment, according to research presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI)’s 2019 Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif.

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SNMMI introduces new leadership at annual meeting

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) introduced a host of new officers, including new president Vasken Dilsizian, MD, during its annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif.

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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.