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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NorthStar and GE sign into partnership for U.S. isotopes

GE Healthcare and NorthStar Medical RadioIsotopes have signed a letter of intent for the production and distribution of an American supply of medical isotopes, including the largest staple isotope, molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), NorthStar announced today.

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Biosensors: Tracking cancer cell death on the trail of adenoviral gene therapy

A bioluminescence technique is being developed to monitor an adenovirus-mediated cancer gene therapy by following signs of apoptosis, or cell death, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in the journal Molecular Imaging.

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Growing knowledge of Alzheimer’s-linked proteins

Amyloid imaging has held center stage in research into the process of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but studies presented at last month’s Alzheimer's Association International Conference revealed how far tau imaging has come as well as new insights into yet another protein implicated in AD.

Are anti-APOE Alzheimer’s therapies safe?

A New York Times piece reviews recent research on the safety of potential Alzheimer’s therapies that focus on genetic factors of the disease. APOE is a hallmark risk factor and perhaps the most common in those who progress to Alzheimer’s, and often earlier than others.

Molecular subtyping overhauls conventional cancer classification

A powerhouse of genomic information has led to a revamped tumor classification system that reclassifies as many as one out of every 10 cancer cases, according to a meta-analysis published Aug. 7 in the journal Cell.

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First commercial use of Neuraceq beta-amyloid PET

Neuraceq (F-18 florbetaben) became available for commercial use on Aug. 1 and went into action for clinical PET imaging of beta-amyloid in the brain at WVU Healthcare in West Virginia, Piramal Imaging announced today.

Toshiba's new technology enables blood flow visualization never thought possible with ultrasound

Superb micro-vascular imaging helps clinicians deliver a more accurate diagnosis. Toshiba is making it possible for clinicians to use ultrasound to see the smallest vessels in and around areas like tumors and lymph nodes, giving them a new way to diagnose disease faster and non-invasively.

Link between Alzheimer’s and vitamin D deficiency

Low levels of vitamin D are associated with all-cause dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to the largest multicenter population study published Aug. 6 in Neurology. 

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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.