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.

PET method offers new insight into inflammation of the brain
Researchers are hopeful that their technique could improve the diagnosis of conditions associated with neural inflammation.
New PET imaging method could improve our understanding of long COVID
Researchers have developed a new radiotracer that targets one of the virus’ spike proteins, allowing them to track it longitudinally.
FDA approves new prostate cancer imaging agent with extended shelf life
The new product from Telix paves the way for increased access at clinics where prostate PET may not have been available in the past.
New PET study offers insight into how dopamine drives executive function
These findings could help guide the development of new treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders.
New radiopharmaceutical targeted at gastrointenstinal cancers yields impressive results
Trial results thus far indicate the drug can significantly extend progression-free survival compared to current standard of care treatments.

PET method offers new insight into inflammation of the brain

Researchers are hopeful that their technique could improve the diagnosis of conditions associated with neural inflammation.

New PET imaging method could improve our understanding of long COVID

Researchers have developed a new radiotracer that targets one of the virus’ spike proteins, allowing them to track it longitudinally.

FDA approves new prostate cancer imaging agent with extended shelf life

The new product from Telix paves the way for increased access at clinics where prostate PET may not have been available in the past.

Researchers track dopamine receptors to study its impact on cognitive function.

New PET study offers insight into how dopamine drives executive function

These findings could help guide the development of new treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders.

New radiopharmaceutical targeted at gastrointenstinal cancers yields impressive results

Trial results thus far indicate the drug can significantly extend progression-free survival compared to current standard of care treatments.

New PET method combines antibody with radioactive isotope to improve lung cancer detection

By giving providers greater insight into a tumor’s molecular footprint, the method could also reduce the need for invasive biopsies.

ALS drug repurposed for PET imaging

Researchers radiolabeled the drug so that they could follow its movement and breakdown in the body to help visualize areas of oxidative stress.

New radiotracer has 'incredible potential' to improve management of spinal cord injuries

Experts hope the information gained from their research could help providers better determine whether patients will regain mobility after sustaining an injury.