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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SNMMI backs updated ASNC guidelines on SPECT MPI

New 2018 guidelines for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) protocols on conventional and novel single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for nuclear cardiology practitioners has received praise from the Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).

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New microscope system may image cancer progression, tumorous cells in real time

A new molecular imaging system developed by researchers from the University of Illinois can show living tissue in great detail and may allow researchers to monitor cancerous cells as they progress inside the body.

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3 approaches for tackling salivary gland toxicity from PSMA radioligand therapy

Three international experts recently argued for a resolution to the salivary gland (SG) toxicity side effect seen in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients treated with I-131 labeled PSMA radioligand therapies (PRLT).

PET image spatial normalization method may reduce interpretation variability, boost Alzheimer’s research

Researchers from Sweden have developed a fully automated PET spatial normalization method for amyloid-β (Aβ) imaging that may reduce interpretation variability among readers and monitor the effectiveness of patients treated with anti-Aβ drugs—a promising step for Alzheimer’s research.

CMS denies coverage for NaF PET exams leaving experts, imaging groups confused

In a blow to Medicare patients with metastatic cancers, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it has rejected reimbursement coverage for 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography (NaF PET) imaging.

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UVA researchers release guidelines for x-ray crystallography, cancer research

New guidelines for researchers wanting to study how molecules in the body use metals such as iron and magnesium to maintain good health have been established by researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA).

Radiopharmaceutical can ease symptoms in some cancers, improve survival outlook

A team of scientists found therapeutic treatment using radiopharmaceutical I-131 mIBG can effectively mitigate symptoms of certain neuroendocrine tumors and resulted in improved prognosis for patients with symptomatic progression, radiographic response or stability and biochemical response.

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Diamonds may be a sparkling method to reduce costs of medical imaging, drug studies

A new discovery involving diamonds may significantly cut costs related to medical imaging and drug-discovery devices, according to a team of researchers led by the U.S. Department of Energy and the University of California, Berkeley. 

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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.