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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Grappling with the genomics of Ebola

Researchers are struggling to lock in genetic analysis related to the genetic mutability of Ebola due to delayed and incomplete data from around the world, according to a review published online today in Science.

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Brain DNA methylation in key genes linked to Alzheimer’s

The methylation cycles of several genetic variants—28 in fact—are associated with the hallmark neurodegeneration involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Some variants were found to be associated with amyloid load and others with taupathy, according to a study published online Nov. 3 in JAMA Neurology.

FDG PET superior to SPECT for telling Alzheimer’s from DLB

Dementia imaging with FDG PET was more accurate, sensitive and specific in a comparison between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), according to a study published online Nov. 5 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Definiens acquired by AstraZeneca and MedImmune

Global biologics company AstraZeneca and its research and development division, MedImmune, announced yesterday that the company has acquired Definiens, a biotech firm focusing on imaging and research analysis.

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U.K. to gain a major brain imaging center

Cardiff University in Wales has broken ground on a $70 million brain imaging center expected to be "unique within Europe." A range of brain mapping techniques will be implemented to improve researchers' understanding of diseases like multiple schlerosis, schizophrenia and dementia.

Lantheus makes deal with Shine for Mo-99 supply

Lantheus Medical announced Monday that the international radiopharmaceutical company has entered an agreement with Wisconsin-based Shine Medical Technologies for supply of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99).

FDA increased regulation 15% over 12 years

A spike in regulatory requirements has been reported by Regulatory Focus according to data released by George Mason University's Mercatus Center for market research in Arlington, Va. According to the numbers, FDA requirements picked up 15 percent from the year 2000 until 2012.

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Survey: Alzheimer’s costs 25% of caregivers $4K every month

Here is more incentive to bring investigative Alzheimer’s treatments to maturity—approximately a quarter of caregivers with a family member diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia end up paying out $4,000 in disease-related costs on a monthly basis, according to a survey released today from AgingCare.com

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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.