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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Whole-body PET/MRI helps stage high-risk prostate cancer patients

In patients with prostate cancer, accurate primary staging is important for developing a treatment strategy. A study published in the December issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine found whole-body PET/MRI may offer a “one-stop-shop” to do so.

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Missouri university awarded $6.3M to develop novel PET tracers

The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (WUSTL) was awarded a five-year, $6.3 million grant to establish a new research center to develop and test novel PET tracers.

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AI method generates high-quality amyloid PET images using less radiation

Artificial intelligence (AI) can generate high-quality amyloid PET images from simultaneously acquired MR images and ultra-low-dose PET data, according to a Dec. 11 study published in Radiology.

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PET imaging may help personalize tuberculosis meningitis treatment

PET imaging may hold promise for personalizing treatment in patients with tuberculosis meningitis (TBM), a rare disease that leaves some survivors with permanent brain damage, reported researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

PET/CT-guided therapy improves survival in aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients

Authors of a recent study reported improved survival in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) whose first-line therapy was guided by PET/CT instead of CT alone.

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Researchers examine patient disparities, utilization of Fluciclovine-PET imaging

The use of [18F]Fluciclovine-PET imaging is steadily increasing in patients with suspected prostate cancer, but a new single-center study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found some have more difficulty undergoing the exam than others.

SNMMI: Mo-99 shortage may end soon

The Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) shortage is expected to subside over the coming few weeks as generators across the globe slowly begin to resume production, according to the Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).

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Women are underrepresented in nuclear medicine, especially in leadership positions

While the number of female medical students has risen, women specialists remain underrepresented in nuclear medicine in the U.S. and Canada—specifically in academic and leadership positions, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

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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.