As the use of theranostic nanoparticles in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging expands, it becomes clearer which technologies will have enough traction to be translated to clinical practice. Molecular Imaging caught up with Weibo Cai, PhD, associate professor and head of the University of Wisconsin Molecular Imaging and Nanotechnology Lab in Madison, to find out more about the leading research in theranostic nanomedicine.

CHICAGO—While compression of the breast is necessary for mammography, it can be uncomfortable and deter women from screening. However, a study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) focusing on a new device that measures pressure could offer some relief.

Royal Philips, a leader in image-guided therapies, announced that it has signed an agreement with Image Stream Medical (ISM) that allows Philips to further expand its integration solutions for its hybrid suite and interventional lab solutions with integrated video and live streaming capabilities. As part of the agreement, Philips has acquired a minority stake in ISM. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

There are a few different quantitative techniques used to measure myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR), both of which have been shown to provide useful information in managing cardiovascular disease. However, MFR measurements appear to be less affected by variables of quantitation when using different arterial input functions and extraction models, according to a comparison study published today in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

CHICAGO—When it comes to supplemental breast imaging for women with dense breasts but who are considered low risk, tomosynthesis could be a supplemental screening modality, while MRI screenings alongside digital mammography should be used for women at higher risk, according to a Nov. 30 presentation at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

A recent study has found that there is no discernable difference in cancer detection between patients who undergo short-interval follow up (SIFU) or those who return to annual screenings (RTAS) after breast biopsies.

Major opportunities are on the horizon for personalized medicine and clinical cancer research and treatment, according to Definiens, the global leader in Tissue Phenomics for oncology diagnostics. The company predicts that the biggest trends driving the industry over the next year will include big data and data quality, immunotherapy, combination treatments and predictive biomarkers. However, as the industry seeks to overcome unique challenges in each of these areas, advancements will rely on adoption of key drivers.

A new method of Alzheimer’s imaging has arrived with an investigative agent that reveals neuro-inflammation via microglia expression of the protein TSPO, according to a scientific presentation Nov. 17 during Neuroscience 2014, the meeting of the Society of Neuroscience, in Chicago.