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.

Lantheus receives tentative FDA approval for its radio-equivalent to Lutathera
Lantheus’ version of a radiopharmaceutical capable of targeting somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) has been tentatively approved by the FDA.
One PSMA agent outshines competitors at detecting prostate cancer recurrence
An ongoing study is evaluating how capably two PSMA agents assess urinary radioactivity and identify smaller lesions in post-prostatectomy patients with low PSA biochemical recurrence.
Combining PET and MRI data may be key to differentiating new type of dementia
Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy, also known as LATE, was recently recognized as a type of dementia that occurs in older adults. It typically presents as memory-related cognitive decline.
Side effect of popular Alzheimer's treatment may actually be a good sign, new PET findings suggest
Amyloid-related imaging abnormality edema is a known side effect of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody treatments, such as Leqembi and donanemab Kisunla.
FDA fast tracks SPECT imaging agent targeted toward interstitial lung disease
Experts believe the imaging agent "has the potential to meaningfully advance early diagnosis, change the treatment paradigm and improve patient outcomes."

Lantheus receives tentative FDA approval for its radio-equivalent to Lutathera

Lantheus’ version of a radiopharmaceutical capable of targeting somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) has been tentatively approved by the FDA.

One PSMA agent outshines competitors at detecting prostate cancer recurrence

An ongoing study is evaluating how capably two PSMA agents assess urinary radioactivity and identify smaller lesions in post-prostatectomy patients with low PSA biochemical recurrence.

Combining PET and MRI data helps distinguish between LATE and Alzheimer's

Combining PET and MRI data may be key to differentiating new type of dementia

Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy, also known as LATE, was recently recognized as a type of dementia that occurs in older adults. It typically presents as memory-related cognitive decline.

Side effect of popular Alzheimer's treatment may actually be a good sign, new PET findings suggest

Amyloid-related imaging abnormality edema is a known side effect of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody treatments, such as Leqembi and donanemab Kisunla.

FDA fast tracks SPECT imaging agent targeted toward interstitial lung disease

Experts believe the imaging agent "has the potential to meaningfully advance early diagnosis, change the treatment paradigm and improve patient outcomes."

Drugmaker expands manufacturing of popular prostate PET imaging agent

The move will make the Huntsman Cancer Institute the first academic medical center in the U.S. to produce Posluma, according to Blue Earth Diagnostics.

University launches clinical trial for groundbreaking nuclear medicine cancer treatment

The University of Missouri Research Reactor will play a key role in the trial, as it is the only domestic producer of Y-90.

Northwestern Medicine to partner with Siemens Healthineers to advance cancer care and theranostics

Siemens Healthineers partners with prominent health system to advance precision care

The duo plan to establish a global center of excellence in theranostics, taking advantage of Siemens’ state-of-the-art technology and software to advance the use of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer care.