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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Quantitative FET-PET makes the grade for advanced glioma

High-grade astrocytoma is a particularly aggressive form of glioma. Parameters of PET imaging such as the minimal time-to-peak could help clinicians narrow in on the best line of treatment for each patient, according to a study published Dec. 23 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Hedge fund CEO gifts $15M for Alzheimer’s institute

The chief executive officer of Park Avenue hedge fund Third Point, is set to donate $15 million to Mount Sinai Hospital and the Icahn School of Medicine in New York City for a new research institute devoted to studying Alzheimer’s disease.

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Big brain gene could inform treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders

One gene in particular could be the key master for proper brain development, researchers from the Agency for Science, Technology and Researc

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FDG PET/ CT predicts survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients

A quantitative PET measurement known as total lesion glycolysis could help clinicians make informed prognoses for patients with a stage of non-small lung cancer, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Slow growth expected for worldwide nuclear imaging market

The global market for nuclear imaging technology is forecasted to reach $2.2 billion in 2020, just a 3.3 percent compound annual growth rate over the $1.83 billion noted for 2013, according to a December 2014 report by GlobalData.

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Watch neurons fire with fluorescence imaging

Fluorescent lights depict the electrical firing of neurons in the brain in this striking video demonstration reported by Bloomberg. The technology was developed by Adam E. Cohen, PhD, a Harvard neuroscientist and professor of chemical biology and physics.

Additional PET/CT alters treatment, predicts survival for certain cancer patients

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma is a painful and debilitating cancer. Another PET/CT after surgery and before adjuvant therapy could improve survival for these patients, according to a study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

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Neuroimaging in art

Every week, Molecular Imaging brings hard-hitting neuroimaging research to light, but today we are highlighting the unorthodox work of one neuroscientist—his paintings, in fact, which depict the microstructure of the brain.

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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.