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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Bayer addresses Xofigo shortage

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) today released a statement from Bayer HealthCare dated Oct. 21 providing more information to healthcare professionals about the ongoing shortfall in Ra-223 dichloride (Xofigo) prescribed for castration-resistant prostate cancer with metastases to the bone.

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Multinational collaboration to develop hi-res protein imaging

Three biomedical companies from across the globe are banding together with research institutions to develop knowledge about a “super-family” of protein receptors called G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Images of these biomarkers could open the door to a new era of pharmaceuticals.

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Frontotemporal dementia research gets $30M from NIH

Over the next five years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be rolling out $30 million in funding for research gleaning new information and treatments for frontotemporal degeneration, the culprit in many cases of early onset dementia, the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration announced this week.

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Advanced surgical cytoscopy uses antibodies to detect bladder cancer

Intraoperative cytoscopic imaging being developed at Stanford University School of Medicine uses antibodies and fluorescence to home in on a protein target called CD47 to improve surgical accuracy, the institution announced Wednesday. 

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Sentinel lymph node mapping for ovarian cancer?

With all of the recent expansion of sentinel lymph node mapping for melanoma and breast cancers and now in all solid tumors, some experts are wondering about the value of this technique for ovarian cancer. A study published ahead of print Oct. 20 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine makes the case.

Endomicroscopic imaging points to esophageal disease prior to surgery

Surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could be improved by an emerging imaging technique called endomicroscopy, which can detect cellular changes indicating pre-cancerous or cancerous growths. The system can also be used to monitor patients for recurrent disease after GERD anti-reflux surgery.

ABT brings in $15M investment for market advancement

Producers of cyclotron and PET generator technologies ABT Molecular Imaging announced Oct. 20 that the company would be expanding into global markets with a $15 million boost in financing.

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Stem cells engineered to fight brain cancer

Toxins produced by highly specialized stem cells work to treat brain cancer. Researchers from Harvard Medical School are the engineers behind these killer stem cells.

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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.