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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Consortium to develop MR-guided radiotherapy

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, U.K., is the newest institution to join an assembly of organizations with the objective of researching an integrated and real-time MR-guided radiotherapy system for more accurate treatment delivery, according to today’s announcement from Elekta and Philips Healthcare.

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Zinc imaging could be used to track a spate of diseases

A preliminary imaging study with Zn-63 zinc citrate confirmed a protocol for preparation and showed encouraging preclinical biodistribution. This technique holds promise for a wide variety of diseases involving zinc disorder, including a range of cancers and metabolic disorders, according to a study published July 21 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

FDA: Shortfall of Ceretec technetium kit

The FDA announced July 14 that a shortage of Technetium Tc99m Exametazime Injection, also known as the Ceretec Kit (GE Healthcare, Medi-Physics), is in effect and expected to continue until the first week of August.

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TDP-43: Yet another protein implicated in Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the hallmark pathology of beta-amyloid plaque and tau protein tangles, but there appears to be a new protein on the block in the development of the neurodegenerative disease. It is called TAR DNA binding protein of 43kDa (TDP-43), according to research presented during the 2014 international conference of the Alzheimer's Association (AAIC).

Largest tau PET study confirms link to memory decline

Finding tau deposition in the brain could be a way to verify Alzheimer's prior to the arrival of all the characteristic symptoms, according to a study presented during this week's Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2014.

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AAIC: F-18 Flute shown to change management in 20% of dementia patients

The amyloid PET agent F-18 flutemetamol (Vizamyl) was the topic of two scientific sessions at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), which concluded yesterday in Copenhagen. Results of one study showed improvements in clinical decision making and clinician confidence as a result of information gleaned from flutemetamol PET. In another study, patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) whose scans were positive for flutemetamol were 2.5 times more likely to progress to Alzheimer's disease.

FDA approves gantry for IBA’s small-scale proton system

IBA announced this week that the FDA has provided marketing authorization for the gantry beam line designed for the company’s compact proton therapy system, which will be used much like its larger cousins for the treatment of a variety of cancers.

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Construction of NorthStar’s new radioisotope facility is underway

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes announced July 16 that the company had broken ground on the 50,000-square-foot production facility and headquarters in Beloit, Wis.

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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.