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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Molecular imaging may streamline drug development, reduce costs

Cancer drug development is rapidly expanding. Although crucial for treatment, it also eats up healthcare dollars and resources. A study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine found molecular imaging can play a role in providing critical information to develop these drugs and potentially save money spent on failed clinical trials.

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Radiologic technologists more exposed to cataracts risk from nuclear medicine

As the number of nuclear medicine (NM) procedures performed in the U.S. gradually increases, the procedure used to assess organ function and treat disease through ionizing radiation continues to harm and damage the eyes of radiologic technicians performing it. 

Physician, practice found liable for misreading CT scan, missing lung cancer diagnosis

A doctor in Alabama was recently found guilty of failing to diagnose lung cancer from ignoring suspicious abnormalities in two CT scans.  

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Cause of alcohol dependence may be visible with molecular imaging

Researchers may have found a clearer understanding of what causes alcohol dependence, according to a new study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM).   

Can a Wisconsin plant change the face of nuclear imaging?

Moly-99, the radioisotope that fuels nuclear imaging, isn't currently produced in the United States. But in Janesville, Wisconsin, Shine Medical Technologies is building a $100 million plant that could manufacture up to 50,000 does of imaging agent a week, a New York Times article reports.

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New COPD genetic breakthrough could identify at risk patients earlier on

According to a recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) press release, new research suggests that genetic variations in the lungs can differentiate between individuals who have stably low lung function early in life (that steadily declines with age) versus those who are at risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to smoking.  

Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology names Kathy Thomas as new editor

Kathy Thomas has been named the new editor of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology (JNMT).

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Innovative PET tracer identifies, tracks bacterial lung infection

A team of researchers has proven a new radiotracer, 2-18F-fluorodeoxysorbitol (18F-FDS), more adept at tracking bacterial infection in lungs than current imaging methods, while also distinguishing bacterial infection from inflammation.

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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.