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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PET/MR holds promise for a range of diseases

The emergence of PET/MR imaging has been solidly underway for a few years and the combination of the two modalities represents significant improvements to PET alone, namely MR’s excellent soft-tissue contrast and ability to capture not only physiologic but also biochemical and metabolic data. A review in the March issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine presents an updated perspective on how PET/MR is moving forward.

Lymph node biopsy for prostate cancer best planned with hybrid imaging

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsies determining primary prostate cancer metastases require diversified imaging techniques due to the location of these lymph nodes buried within the pelvis and elsewhere. As many as 44 percent of SLNs are located outside the pelvic region. Hybrid near-infrared fluorescence and SPECT/CT or PET/MR may provide some advantages before and during surgery, according to a review in the March issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Siemens ups Amyvid production, distribution

Siemens PETNET Solutions has expanded manufacturing and distribution of the amyloid-targeting imaging agent F-18 Florbetapir (Amyvid) to 17 sites.

FDA may fast track therapies for early Alzheimer’s

The FDA may soon clear a path for promising drug treatments for patients showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease in order to foster development and commercial availability and fill the void for this as yet untreatable disease, according to an article in the March issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

FDA clears Lymphoseek as lymph-node targeting agent

The FDA has approved an injectable diagnostic imaging agent to help physicians pinpoint lymph nodes that drain potentially invasive tumors to better manage patients with metastatic breast cancer and melanoma.

IBA expands PET tracer production

IBA Molecular has opened production and distribution of zirconium-89 for preclinical and investigational use with PET for distribution five days a week.

Advanced MRI offers detailed info on brain lesions in mTBI patients

MRI soon after a mild concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), can detect small lesions and may help refine treatment for people with mTBI, according to research that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in San Diego, March 16 to 23.

Lantheus Medical Imaging taps Orlandi as next CMO

Lantheus Medical Imaging has appointed Cesare Orlandi, MD, to serve as its next chief medical officer (CMO).

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