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. 

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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.” 

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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.

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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. 

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Department of Energy awards SHINE $32M in effort to boost domestic isotope supply

The U.S. consumes around half of the world’s supply of Mo-99 and relies largely on other countries to provide the isotope.

phenylephrine FDA

COVID remnants still show up on PET/CT scans years after infection

That’s according to new PET imaging that shows the presence of activated T cells in the brain, spinal cord, gut and lung tissues of individuals who have recovered from COVID.

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Frequent sleep disruptions may increase amyloid deposits down the road

Daily sleep disruptions could increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in the future, new research suggests. 

Hearing aids help slow brain aging in individuals with mild cognitive impairment

Hearing aids help stall brain aging, new imaging study shows

For people with auditory impairment, hearing aid use could slow metabolic decline in regions of the brain associated with cognitive function.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

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.

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.

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