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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Deadline for SNMMI governmental fellowship approaches

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Robert E. Henkin Fellowship is an annual opportunity for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging professionals just starting out in their careers and are involved closely in government relations.

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Treatment for a neurological disorder in children is all in the genes

A protein called neurofibromin and a competing pathway could be the ticket to a novel gene therapy for a rare pediatric disorder called neurofibromatosis, which is associated with autism and learning difficulties. The proposed therapy could reverse these symptoms, announced officials from the University of Texas (UT) Southwestern on Monday.

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More than $1.1M goes to Worcester Polytechnic for a revamped nuclear program

Four generous grants from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have been bestowed on the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass., institute officials announced today.

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DOTATATE PET/CT changed treatment plans for 60% of NET patients

PET/CT with Ga-68 DOTATATE has been found to change treatment plans in a majority of patients receiving initial evaluation and subsequent staging of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), according to the results of two referring physician surveys published Dec. 11 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

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SPECT goes 3D for improved diagnosis of ADHD

Reading a 3D thresholded SPECT vs. a conventional 2D SPECT has led to a dramatic improvement in sensitivity for the evaluation of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), officials at Amen Clinics announced Dec. 9.

Definiens Releases Tissue Studio 4.0 for Quantitative Digital Pathology

Definiens, the global leader in Tissue Phenomics® for oncology diagnostics, today announced the newest version of its leading image analysis software for quantitative digital pathology, Tissue Studio 4.0. The new release provides greater flexibility, more accurate and consistent results, and the ability to use any chromogen for single and dual stain immunohistochemistry (IHC) quantification.

Neuro-inflammation may be intrinsic to autism

Genetic research from John Hopkins and the University of Alabama Birmingham are providing a road map of inflammation linked to autism thanks to a fleet of tissue samples from 72 autistic and healthy brains. Analyses of these tissues showed microglial cells in perpetual hyperdrive, which translates into neuro-inflammation.

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Approved antibiotic could treat frontotemporal dementia

A readily available antibiotic drug therapy that happens to promote the expression of a certain neurotransmitter receptor could one day be a means of combatting frontotemporal dementia (FTD), officials from the University of Alabama Birmingham announced Dec. 3.

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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.