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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FDA may ease approval for breast cancer therapeutics

A new guidance document released by the FDA on Monday provides the means to accelerate the process for approving neoadjuvant therapeutic drugs for early-stage, high-risk breast cancer.

Ohio State cuts ribbon on $13M molecular imaging facility

Ohio State University announced today that it has completed construction and development on a $13 million molecular imaging research center called Translational Research Center for Molecular Imaging Pharmaceuticals at the Columbus-based Wright Center of Innovation in Biomedical Imaging.

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Nobel Prize honors developers of ultra-optical microscopy

Key scientists behind the development of a prototype optical microscope have garnered the 2014 Nobel Prize in chemistry due to the technology’s ability to surpass all previous limits of optical imaging, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced today.

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FDA draws up new regulatory strategy for research, pharmaceuticals and devices

Almost 50 percent of devices and 40 percent of medications administered in the U.S. are produced outside its borders. Around 80 percent of the producers of active pharmaceutical ingredients are internationally based and the speed of global research and commerce is swiftly changing. Clearly, the regulatory framework needs to keep up. With that in mind, the FDA is setting new priorities for the coming years. An official document has been drawn up by the FDA to that effect.

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PET/CT changed diagnosis in 21% of breast cancer patients under 40

Patients less than 40 years of age originally diagnosed with one of the first three stages of breast cancer underwent a change in clinical staging as a result of PET/CT scanning, according to a study announced Oct. 1 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).

Temporary processing freeze on some FDG PET claims begins

A temporary processing freeze on claims for FDG PET scans for solid tumors begins this week.

RSNA announces new NIBIB funding for QIBA research

The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) announced today that it has received an additional $1.27 million of funding from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) to support research by the Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers Alliance (QIBA). 

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NIR optical brain scanner wins $3.7M Marine Corps contract

A brain scanner based on differential near-infrared (NIR) energy is getting a healthy push forward with a $3.7 million, four-year contract with the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy for the development of diagnostic imaging for traumatic brain injury and hematoma, makers InfraScan announced Oct. 1.

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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.