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. 

Thumbnail

AAN: DaTscan SPECT on display for diagnosis of dopamine disorders

Data from multiple clinical trials for DaTscan (I-123 FP-CIT Ioflupane) using SPECT shows that the exam is very sensitive for detecting striatal dopaminergic deficits, according to a presentation during the American Academy of Neurology being held April 26 through May 3 in Philadelphia.

Vizamyl distribution to begin within a few months

The first markets for newly FDA-approved Vizamyl (F-18 flutemetamol), designated for ruling out Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, were announced during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology this week in Philadelphia, according to a statement from its producer, GE Healthcare.

A-synuclein drug therapy in the pipeline for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s

A potential therapy targeting the misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative disease including Alzheimer;s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease is edging closer to human trials, NeuroPhage Pharmaceuticals announced April 22.

European consortium to develop Parkinson’s vaccine

A therapeutic vaccine for Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA) is the primary objective of a group of leading research teams across Europe, Austrian pharmaceutical company Affiris announced April 28.

NeuroTremor robotic glove reduces trembling in Parkinson's

The University Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid announced April 15 that the institution was using investigational technology to manage Parkinson’s tremor. The robotic glove attaches to patients via electrodes and reduces the hallmark symptom of the neurodegenerative disease.

Thumbnail

Genetic map of prenatal brain provides insights into psychiatric disorders

A 3D atlas of genetic activity in the human brain prior to birth is now available for research and the public, the National Institutes of Health announced earlier this month. The map was designed to further brain disorders including schizophrenia and autism.

Lilly posts 16% first quarter decline

Eli Lilly and Company announced first quarter 2014 earnings yesterday, including $0.68 per share and an overall 16 percent decline compared to the previous quarter due to U.S. patent expirations on popular drugs.

Near-infrared dyed antibodies detect renal carcinoma during surgery

The next generation of intraoperative imaging for clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) may incorporate near-infrared (NIR) dyed antibodies that track down a tumor biomarker, according to a study published online April 21 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.