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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The Future of Molecular Imaging: Theranostic Nanoparticles

Over the past several years, studies involving theranostic nanoparticles have provided several shining examples of where molecular cancer imaging is going.

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes to unveil commercial model of RadioGenix™ isotope separation system

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes LLC will unveil the commercial model of its RadioGenix™ isotope separation system during three events on March 27 and March 28 at The Keating Hotel, 432 F Street in San Diego. The events will be the first public demonstrations of system enhancements directly inspired by recommendations made by nuclear pharmacists during similar events last year.

PET/CT: Four or more follow-up scans alter treatment in over 28% of lung cancer cases

A new study suggests the use of not only three, but four or more PET/CT evaluations during follow-up for lung cancer, as the research revealed that additional PET/CTs changed patient management in 28.1 percent of cases, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) announced Feb. 18. 

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Making the case for precision: PET for atherosclerosis

FDG PET imaging of inflammation has proven to be very useful when evaluating atherosclerosis, but researchers have not yet come to a consensus about the proper protocol for this up-and-coming molecular imaging technique.

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Low-dose molecular breast imaging effective in supplemental cancer screenings

Cancer detection success rates in women with mammographically dense breasts can be significantly improved through molecular imaging techniques, even at reduced doses of radiation, according to a study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

PET study highlights differences in smoking response between men and women

Researchers at Yale have confirmed that smoking cigarettes activates the brain’s pleasure and satisfaction response differently in men compared with women, a discovery that could help aid addiction treatment.

NHS pushes for major multi-site genomics project

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) is embarking on an ambitious gene-sequencing project with 11 genomics institutions in England. The objective is to find targeted treatments for a spectrum of illnesses.

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Zecotek settles patent suit against Philips, Saint Gobain

Singapore-based Zecotek Photonics, makers of industrial imaging technologies, announced today that the company has settled a lawsuit brought against Philips and Saint Gobain over patent infringement regarding new PET detector technology.

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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.