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.

FDA approves expanded use of radioembolization therapy for liver cancer
The added indications make the treatment the first Y-90 therapy approved for both unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic colorectal cancer of the liver.
Post-ablation PET imaging may not be cost-effective in patients with liver metastases
Although most radiology organizations agree that [18F]FDG PET/CT can provide valuable information in these patients post-treatment, their recommendations differ on its use.
FDA approves expanded use of PET imaging agent
The product's updated indications include quantification and long-term monitoring of amyloid plaques on imaging.
'Powerful' new PET agent improves the diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer
The agent “exhibits powerful tumor delineation” in challenging cases of determining cancer subtypes, and could potentially lead to more personalized, effective treatment strategies.
Industry partnership set to advance research on theranostics
The deal will create a Therapy Command Center to support the study and use of theranostics across Massachusetts General Hospital and its affiliated centers in bordering states.

CMS cites 'newly published evidence' in postponement of PET coverage decision

Prior to the Dec. 15 announcement, CMS had released a different statement in June informing the public that they were reconsidering the amount of PET scans that Alzheimer’s patients undergoing monoclonal antibody treatment can receive.

U.S. lawmakers pen letter calling for expanded access to amyloid PET imaging

“We must make every effort to grant equitable access to tools that can help individuals and their loved ones treat and manage this disease."

New radiotracer IDs numerous cancers likely to respond to targeted therapy

The radiotracer, 68Ga-PentixaFor, can be used for detecting C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), which plays a significant role in cancer progression.

Cognitive decline not far behind amyloid and tau PET-positive scans, even for the asymptomatic

Common markers of Alzheimer's disease visualized on PET scans of asymptomatic patients might foreshadow the onset of symptoms in the years following their initial discovery.

How a newly secured 3D printing patent could stabilize radioisotope production

Recently, a patent for 3D printed uranium targets was secured by the National Center for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) in Swierk, Poland, and it could increase the production of Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) globally.

NorthStar radiopharmaceutical development facility.

NorthStar breaks ground on new facility, will offer radiopharmaceutical development services to other companies

The 36,000 square foot unit will be located in Beloit, Wis., alongside NorthStar’s production facilities. It is expected to be open for business starting in 2024.

Isotope shortage update: NMEU names potential restart date for downed reactor

On November 4, Nuclear Medicine Europe indicated inspections at the downed BR2 reactor had been finalized.

Another isotope shortage looms as mechanical failure delays production

A new report suggests there may soon be a shortage of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99)/technetium-99m (Tc-99m). What does that mean for patient care in the months ahead?

Molecular Imaging

FDA approves expanded use of radioembolization therapy for liver cancer

Post-ablation PET imaging may not be cost-effective in patients with liver metastases

FDA approves expanded use of PET imaging agent

'Powerful' new PET agent improves the diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer

Industry partnership set to advance research on theranostics