Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine (also called molecular imaging) includes positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Nuclear imaging is achieved by injecting small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) into patients before or during their scan. 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. 

RSS icon
Thumbnail

'Game changer' prostate imaging agent granted FDA's Fast Track designation

The PET agent was developed for men with PSMA-positive lesions who have suspected metastasis and are candidates for initial definitive therapy.

FAPI PET improves staging and clinical management for a significant portion of pancreatic cancers

Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor PET imaging may provide more accurate insight into the spread of pancreatic cancer than more commonly used 18F-FDG PET/CT.

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

FDA sees potential in new PET imaging agent for cardiac amyloidosis

Early evidence suggests a new PET imaging agent from California-based Attralus can help evaluate all varieties of systemic cardiac amyloidosis. It has now been granted the FDA's breakthrough therapy designation. 

Hall of Fame Health partnership set to advance study of neurodegeneration via new PET imaging agent

The organization is teaming up with CereMark Pharma to conduct research on improving outcomes in soldiers and athletes with neurodegenerative conditions.

Thumbnail

Pharmacist pleads guilty to 'adulterating' radiopharmaceuticals

According to the DOJ, the pharmacist and those working under him “would ‘fractionate’ or ‘split’ the active ingredient of Technescan MAG3, without ensuring the pieces were equal in size, purity or strength.” 

Thumbnail

New PET method spots early signs of inflammatory bowel disease

The novel method could potentially guide decisions on when patients should start treatment. 

Telix Pharmaceuticals

PSMA PET 'cold kit' could score FDA approval soon

The cold kit is said to significantly expand the distribution capabilities related to imaging agents.

Thumbnail

Reducing prostate cancer treatment dosage alleviates downsides while remaining effective

Reducing certain treatments by around 25% and 50% still achieves promising PSA response rates, but reduces some of the unwanted side effects of therapy, like dry mouth. 

Displaying 9 - 16 of 213

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
'This could be a paradigm shift': How PET with newly approved flurpiridaz compares to SPECT

GE HealthCare's flurpiridaz, the PET radiotracer that recently received FDA approval, offers several key benefits over SPECT. Jamshid Maddahi, MD, discussed the details in an exclusive interview. 

Cardiovascular Business
Ultrafast myocardial contrast echocardiography shows early potential to evaluate CAD

Ultrafast MCE could go on to become a go-to treatment option for obstructive coronary artery disease, according to the authors of a new first-in-human clinical study.

Cardiovascular Business
FDA clears new software for AI-powered CCTA assessments

Elucid's PlaqueIQ was trained to turn CCTA images into interactive 3D reports that help physicians visualize the presence of atherosclerosis.

Design by Adaptive Theme
Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup