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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Novel PET imaging bests pathology in some prostate-cancer diagnostics

A preliminary study has demonstrated the feasibility of an experimental molecular biomarker to combine with PET imaging for reliably showing the extent of prostate cancer. Along the way, researchers found that the technique can also catch some cancers hidden to pathologists. 

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The University of California – San Francisco to Install MILabs VECTor4CT in Support of Expanding Molecular and Functional Imaging Research

The Center for Molecular and Functional Imaging (CMFI) at the University of California – San Francisco will install the MILabs VECTor4CT in support of a large number of NIH funded research projects in the areas of oncology, neuroscience and drug discovery/development.  The UCSF Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging invested significant resources in establishing the CMFI in 2003.  Major research efforts at CMFI include translational nuclear medicine imaging research using both SPECT/CT and PET/CT.  Utilization of the VECTor4CT will benefit from the CMFI installed medical cyclotron, state of the art radiopharmaceutical laboratory and in-house vivarium all under one roof.

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Annual International Summit “Ageing” to be Held from February 9 to 11, 2016

Ageing 2016 will be held from February 9 to 11, 2016 at Cineworld: The O2 Peninsula Square London SE10 0DX United Kingdom. The annual international summit will look at the various aspects of processes and research involved in ageing and senescence.

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Study indicates mentally demanding tasks can protect brain power

Mentally demanding activities may be neuroprotective and an important element for maintaining a healthy brain into late adulthood, according to findings published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience.

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Cancer surveillance PET rises, suggesting overutilization

A robust, population-based study has revealed that, from 2001 through 2009, the use of PET imaging swelled among patients with resected non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC).

Study: Gadolinium has little impact on accuracy of MRI for pediatric tumors

Gadolinium chelate administration is largely unnecessary for imaging pediatric tumors when performing MRI or combined PET/MR scans, according to a recent study published by the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

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A ‘nuclear scalpel’ may emerge from discovery of four new elements

Scientists from Japan, Russia and the U.S. have discovered four new chemical elements that, taken together, complete the seventh period of the periodic table of elements. And the first area of human endeavor to find a practical use for the expanded knowledge may be nuclear medicine.

New protease-activated imaging agent successfully fluoresces tumors

Work is underway around the world to better localize and visualize cancer cells using fluorescence. Now, researchers at Duke Medicine report they have tested the first fluorescent imaging agent activated by a protease enzyme and proven safe in humans.

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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.