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. 

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First-in-human cannabinoid PET imaging aims for neuro-inflammation

A novel cannabinoid type 2 receptor ligand that binds to microglial and immuno cells could be a hit for neuro-inflammatory imaging, according to a study published in the August 2013 issue of Molecular Imaging and Biology.

Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Week promotes recent advances

This week, Oct. 6-12, is Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Week and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the SNMMI Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS) are rallying the medical community to raise public awareness about the industry.

PET myocardial blood flow finds under-diagnosed multivessel CAD

Evaluating myocardial blood flow (MBF) with stress-rest cardiac PET teases out more multivessel CAD than with cardiac PET or SPECT alone, both of which tend to underestimate severity of disease, according the proceedings of the 2013 American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) 2013 Annual Meeting held Sept. 26-29 in Chicago.

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SNMMI president elect: CMS decision will discourage amyloid research

On the heels of the final decision from CMS regarding coverage for amyloid imaging, Peter Herscovitch, MD, SNMMI 2013-2014 president elect, discussed the potential impact of the new climate of coverage in an exclusive interview with Molecular Imaging.

Sofie Bio receives $1.8M SBIR grant for phase II clinical trials

Sofie Biosciences, an emerging in vivo imaging diagnostics company focused on PET probes, scanners and chemistry systems,announced today that the National Institute of Health has awarded the company a grant under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Novel tau imaging agent takes dementia imaging to the next level

A tau-imaging agent has moved ahead of the pack to pick up strong signals of tau aggregates in the brain in patterns consistent with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according a study published Sept. 18 in Neuron.

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CMS sets limit on amyloid imaging coverage

Only one amyloid PET scan will be covered to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to an official CMS decision on Friday.

Philips showcases innovations in radiation oncology imaging technology and workflow planning at the 55th American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting

At the 55th American Society for Radiation Oncology ASTRO annual meeting, Sept. 22-25 in Atlanta, Royal Philips will feature the latest innovations that address efficient and personalized radiation oncology care for patients and their clinicians.

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