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 diagnoses blood vessel disease better than biopsy method

Pairing PET with CT achieved better diagnostic accuracy than temporal artery biopsy (TAB) in patients with newly suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA), according to research presented recently at the 2018 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/ Association of Reproductive Health Professional (AHRP) meeting in Chicago.

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Novel molecular CT technique could revolutionize drug discovery

The technique is able to map the structure of small organic molecules, such as pharmaceuticals and hormones, with electron diffraction imaging—commonly used to chart larger proteins, according to a report published Oct. 19 by Science Magazine.

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PET quantification method can help improve amyloid pathology assessment

Utilizing non-displaceable binding potential (BPND) quantification with 18F-Flutemetamol PET imaging can better assess amyloid pathology in elderly patients with low amyloid buildup compared to traditional standard uptake value ratio (SUVr), reported authors of an Oct. 12 study in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

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PET can image T-cells for chronic liver disease

PET imaging could serve as an accurate, noninvasive substitute to liver biopsies in patients with chronic liver diseases, as detailed in research published in the October issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

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Molecular imaging research could find less toxic, more effective breast cancer treatments

Researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston have received a three-year, $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to use molecular imaging tools to test antibody therapies for breast cancer—potentially producing fewer side effects.

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NorthStar may receive federal funding to produce Mo-99

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes in Beloit, Wis. and the Janesville, Wis.-planned SHINE Medical Technologies may receive a portion of the $20 million in federal technology funding bill approved by President Donald Trump to produce molybdenum-99 (Mo-99).

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Nanoplatform developed with 3 molecular imaging modalities may improve cancer diagnosis

A new hybrid nanoplatform that simultaneously uses three types of imaging modalities—MRI, CT and fluorescence optical imaging—to locate tumors could give a new edge to molecular imaging and tumor diagnosis.  

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Cancer imaging researcher receives highest honor from World Molecular Imaging Society

The World Molecular Imaging Society (WMIS) has awarded Robert Gillies, PhD, the 2018 Gold Medal Award to honor his lifetime of research in cancer molecular imaging and cancer biology, according to a WMIS press release.

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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.