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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Heads up: Helmet-sized scanner could be the future of PET imaging

Researchers are inching closer to the development of a wearable, helmet-like PET scanner capable of substantially increasing sensitivity and reducing patient exposure to radiation, according to results of a simulation study recently published online in the journal Physics in Medicine and Biology.

Study: Single season of high school football can damage athlete's brain

The repeated impacts experienced in one season of playing high school football can do significant damage to an athlete’s brain, according to a recent study published by the Journal of Neurotrauma.

Molecular Devices Launches High-Content Imaging System with New 3D Analysis Software

Sunnyvale, Calif. – April 19, 2016 – Molecular Devices, LLC, a leader in protein and cell biology technologies, today announced the launch of its ImageXpress® Micro 4 High-Content Imaging System and revolutionary 3D image analysis capability in the latest version of MetaXpress® High-Content Image Acquisition and Analysis Software. For scientists conducting basic research or high-throughput screening, the ImageXpress System is a premiere, integrated and scalable toolset for optimal 3D image acquisition and analysis.

PET plus computed bioconductance adds up to improved lung evaluation

Researchers in China have shown that adding measurements from computed bioconductance (CB) to fluorodeoxyglucose PET (18FDG-PET) imaging can work as a non-invasive, pre-biopsy option for accurately distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions in the lungs, according to a study abstract published ahead of presentation at an international thoracic gathering. 

Molecular MRI technique gives early indication of cancer treatment effectiveness

Researchers from Cambridge University have performed a new molecular imaging technique that allows doctors to determine whether cancer drugs are successful within a few days following initial treatment on a European patient for the first time.

Powerful PET probe shows potential for improving cancer treatment

A newly discovered PET imaging tool that can detect the buildup of an enzyme associated with leukemia and other deadly cancers could identify patients likely to respond well to certain cancer treatments, according to a study published online March 28 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.

New 3D imaging technique glimpses cells and tissues functioning inside the body

A new non-invasive imaging technique allows scientists to see real-time 3D images of cells and tissues under the skin of living subjects, according to results of a study published online March 18 in Scientific Reports.

ABT Partners to Establish the First Radiopharmaceutical Production Facility in Cyprus

Knoxville, TN, UNITED STATES, March 18, 2016– ABT Molecular Imaging has partnered with a world-renowned oncology group to install the BG-75 Biomarker Generator System in  The Republic of Cyprus.  The BG-75 integrates a compact cyclotron, micro-chemistry, and automated quality control, to provide on-demand F-18 FDG production in one seamless solution to support the implementation of PET/CT.

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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.