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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Wahl chosen as director of Mallinckrodt Institute

Richard L. Wahl, MD, will be taking over as head of radiology at Washington University School of Medicine and director of the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology this fall, the university announced Friday.

Progenics to host industry conference call

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, a producer of oncologic drugs, most notably a prostate-specific membrane antigen targeted therapy currently in clinical trials, has announced that the company will be hosting a conference call to review second quarter 2014 financials and other topics on Friday, Aug. 8.

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A new prognostic biomarker for breast cancer

A new method of molecular imaging captures the dysfunction of an oncoprotein—Akt/PKB, the activation of which is tied to dismal prognoses in cancer patients. High throughput time-resolved-FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) was implemented to seek out Akt/PKB activation in breast cancer patients, which could have a significant impact on not only future research, but potentially individual patient management, according to a study published in the July issue of Cancer Research.

Cardiac PET: Quantitating myocardial blood flow with F-18 flurpiridaz

The quantitative imaging of myocardial blood flow has been gaining momentum in recent years, as is the use of F-18 flurpiridaz, which has been shown to reveal a clear demarcation of disease in patients with CAD, according to a first-in-human quantitative imaging study published July 28 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

IBA receives FDA approval for its proton therapy specific cone beam CT (CBCT) solution

IBA (Ion Beam Applications SA), the world's leading provider of proton therapy solutions for the treatment of cancer, announces today that it has received combined clearances from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that will enable IBA to market-launch the Proton Therapy specific Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) solution.

'Caring suites' humanize medical imaging

The University of California San Francisco is creating a magical new world of woodland forests and cable cars in a family friendly molecular imaging and radiology suite, reports SF Gate. 

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Bruker acquires Vutara optical imaging

Bruker Corporation of Billerica, Mass., has announced that the provider of instrumentation for biomedical research has acquired Vutara Incorporated, producers of high-speed and resolution 3D fluorescence microscopy.

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Genes, neuroimaging suggest mothers instill their distress in their young

Lasting memories of trauma and aversion can be passed on from mother-to-baby in a kind of biochemical generational stamp, researchers from the University of Michigan announced yesterday.

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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.