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 biomarker able to detect high-grade prostate cancer

A recent study has highlighted the ability of prostate-specific membrane antigen PET imaging to detect fast-growing primary prostate cancer and could prove significant in the care of patients with suspected prostate cancer that had not been confirmed by biopsy.

Isotope Technologies Garching GmbH Announces In-licensing of DOTA-Zoledronate for Bone Targeted Radionuclide Theranostics of Osseous Metastases

The ITM Group announced today that its subsidiary ITG GmbH has successfully in-licensed DOTA-Zoledronate, a next generation theranostic agent for Bone Targeted Radionuclide Therapy and Diagnostics in patients suffering from bone metastases. 

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Novel MRI technique could offer new avenue for Alzheimer’s, stroke risk assessment

A new MRI scanning technique being investigated in Toronto could one day help physicians identify patients on the path to developing Alzheimer’s disease, and do so at a cost far less than molecular imaging of amyloid deposits, according to an in-depth profile of the project published by the Toronto Star.

Illinois Health and Science completes acquisition of IBA Molecular North America

IBA Molecular, a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals, announced today the completion of the previously announced sale of its US operations, IBA Molecular North America, Inc. (IBAM NA), to Illinois Health and Science (IHS), a non-profit healthcare system based in Decatur, Illinois. 

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Searching for a clearer picture of dementia imaging

The potential for PET-based amyloid imaging to advance care of Alzheimer’s patients has excited many in the field of neuroimaging for years, yet the role of such scans has been difficult to define.

New IDEAS website to keep stakeholders informed

There is a new Imaging Dementia–Evidence for Amyloid Scanning Study (IDEAS) website that aims to enable patients, caregivers, providers and PET facilities to get up-to-date study information, learn how to get involved and receive updates on enrollment timelines and pathways.

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Physicians tailor Alzheimer’s diagnoses, treatments after viewing amyloid PET scans

The first randomized, controlled study to determine whether physicians change their clinical decision-making after considering images of accumulated amyloid plaques in patients with suspected Alzheimer’s disease has come out with affirmative findings. 

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PET imaging study hints at possible new treatment for prostate, pancreatic cancers

Diabetes drugs might someday be leveraged against pancreatic and prostate cancer cells, as a recent PET study from researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), has shed new light on how cancer cells import glucose.

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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.