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. 

MRI diffusion changes may signal cognitive decline

Ischemic small-vessel disease (SVD) wreaks havoc on the brain’s executive function and processing speed and is thought to be caused by gradual disconnects in the white matter tract and other cortical tissues leading to long-term cognitive impairment and disability. However, diffusion changes in apparently healthy tissues can reveal tell-tale signs of impending cognitive decline, according to a study published February 19 in the Annals of Neurology.

FDG PET parameters differ for predicting advanced colon cancer survival

With a host of guidelines for tumor response presented by the now well known Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (PERCIST), clinicians need to know that not all parameters are alike for predicting patient survival. Case in point, metabolic volume and lesion glycolysis using F-18 FDG PET has been found to be more predictive of survival in patients with metastatic colorectal tumors treated with radioembolization than standardized uptake guidelines, according to a study published May 31 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Siemens’ PETNET Solutions and Lilly Sign Amyvid EU Manufacturing Agreement

PETNET Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., will soon begin manufacturing Eli Lilly and Company’s AmyvidTM (Florbetapir (18F)) radiopharmaceutical in the United Kingdom, as well as in Spain and France, after signing a manufacturing services agreement with Eli Lilly and Company. Siemens’ PETNET Solutions will function as a contract manufacturer for Lilly after Lilly’s diagnostic radiopharmaceutical received marketing authorisation from the European Commission in early 2013.

Radiation Therapy leaders gather for ProteusONE demonstration

IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.), the global high-tech leader in next generation radiation therapy and diagnostics for the treatment of cancer, is pleased to announce that today 60 radiation therapy leaders travelled to Belgium to discover the first Proteus®ONE in factory.

Do the math: Best practices for pulmonary nodule management

Out of a range of mathematical methods for managing pulmonary nodules with FDG PET/CT, one quantitative CT technique takes the lead--dynamic area-detector CT analyzed using the dual-input maximum slope method, according to a study published May 22 in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Advanced SPECT and stress-only MPI lower occupational dose

Many studies have maintained that the most advanced SPECT cameras can significantly reduce patient dose, but what about medical staff? A new protocol of myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging combines state-of-the-art detector technology, image reconstruction and stress-only imaging, all precipitating an up to 60 percent drop in radiation exposure to healthcare workers, according to a study published May 30 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Patients and Technologists Benefit from Reduced Dose of UltraSPECT Image Reconstruction Software

UltraSPECT, a leading provider of nuclear medicine (NM) image reconstruction technology that reduces radiopharmaceutical dose and acquisition time, announces today the installation of its proprietary Wide Beam Reconstruction (WBR™) software at nearly ten healthcare facilities.

Report predicts continued boom in molecular imaging

Molecular imaging has been in a growth phase since 2010, spurred by emerging markets and demand for hybrid and other cutting edge scanner and biomarker technologies, according to a market report profiling the most recent developments in molecular imaging published in April by UK-based Espicom Business Intelligence.