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. 

medical imaging carbon emissions climate change

PET is an energy hog, but relatively rare utilization lessens its carbon footprint. MRI and CT have no such ‘out’

Medical imaging machinery uses a lot of power, and the extent to which it quickens the pace of global warming is becoming clearer.

A newly identified PET imaging biomarker could help providers tailor immunotherapy treatments for patients with certain types of cancers.

Researchers identify new PET imaging biomarker capable of predicting immunotherapy success

A newly identified PET imaging biomarker could help providers tailor immunotherapy treatments for patients with certain types of cancers. 

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Siemens Healthineers inks data sharing deal with Blue Earth to bolster development of prostate cancer AI

Blue Earth will be sharing anonymized clinical data from its Phase 3 Lighthouse trial involving the use of PET imaging agent Posluma.

Whole-body maximum-intensity projections over time after [68Ga]Ga-DPI-4452 administration.

New PET agent offers 'exceptional' imaging of kidney cancer

The agent was found to be better than standard CT imaging for patients with clear cell renal cell cancer.

Multiple sclerosis ribbon MS

New PET technique spots 'smoldering' changes not visible on MRI in the brains of MS patients

The new technique uncovers hidden inflammation in patients who, despite undergoing extensive treatment for the condition, had worsening symptoms.

Imaging agent that targets deadly brain tumors given FDA's Fast Track designation

Fast Track designations are typically granted to drugs that target an unmet medical need. 

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PET/MRI may reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies by 83%

A study out of China found most patients biopsied for prostate lesions did not have clinically significant cancer, calling the clinical ranking systems into question.

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RLS Radiopharmacies purchases Gallium-68 generators for all its locations

The supply agreement with Eckert & Ziegler will ensure radiopharmaceuticals are available for PET imaging and cancer treatment plans.

Around the web

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. 

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.

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

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