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. 

Add it up: Quantifying myocardial perfusion reserve w/ SPECT viable

Researchers are developing a method of quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging that analyzes myocardial perfusion reserve using SPECT with advanced cadmium zinc telluride crystal detectors to unlock extent of coronary artery disease, according to a study published April 11 by The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Developments in genomics and molecular diagnosis: A snapshot

Bioinformatics technology has launched a revolution in DNA sequencing. Genetics experts are highlighting a range of genomics research by metagenomic analysis, genetic expressions in certain cancers and in infectious disease, according to a series of studies published in the April edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Aiming for the ideal: Standardizing cancer FDG PET/CT imaging

Now that hybrid PET/CT systems are thoroughly mainstream, standardization of practice has moved into the spotlight. A thorough F-18 FDG PET/CT oncological report should include much more than just what meets the eye, according to the authors of a comprehensive review published in the May issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Novel fluorine amyloid imaging agent good as gold (standard)

Amyloid imaging is now promising earlier Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses and potential anti-amyloid therapies in the not-too-distant future. The radiotracer C-11 Pittsburgh compound-B (C-11 PiB) has been proven effective for amyloid PET imaging and has outperformed many F-18 bound biomarkers, but the radiotracer F-18 NAV4694 is showing a binding pattern that nearly mirrors that of C-11 PiB with all the logistical perks of a fluorine-based agent, according to research being published in the June edition of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

PERCIST bests EORTC for monitoring response to therapy

PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (PERCIST) provides similar outcomes to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) criteria for quantifying response to anticancer treatment using PET/CT, but PERCIST may provide a clearer protocol conducive for widespread adoption, according to a review of the two models published in the April edition of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Manhattan Scientifics Announces Receipt of $2.5M Commitment to Build Breakthrough Cancer Detection Devices

Manhattan Scientifics (MHTX: OTCQB) announced today that it has received the initial $1 million of a $2.5 million commitment to build the first generation of its advanced cancer detection devices. More information can be found in the company’s recent 8-K filing.

Fluorescent, optoacoustic imaging could guide interventional cancer procedures

Optical and optoacoustic imaging techniques have been emerging in research and have been slowly translating into clinical practice with humans, and research indicates that these techniques could be expanded further into interventional image guidance in the search for tumors, with both advantages and limitations, according to a review published in the April issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Alzheimer’s risk almost double for African-Americans with gene variant

A gene variant dubbed ABCA7 nearly doubles chances of African Americans developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to African Americans without the variant. This particular gene variant plays a role in lipid and cholesterol homeostasis and lipid-targeting drugs may be sought to improve prevention and potentially treat this patient population, according research published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.