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.

FDA approves expanded use of radioembolization therapy for liver cancer
The added indications make the treatment the first Y-90 therapy approved for both unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic colorectal cancer of the liver.
Post-ablation PET imaging may not be cost-effective in patients with liver metastases
Although most radiology organizations agree that [18F]FDG PET/CT can provide valuable information in these patients post-treatment, their recommendations differ on its use.
FDA approves expanded use of PET imaging agent
The product's updated indications include quantification and long-term monitoring of amyloid plaques on imaging.
'Powerful' new PET agent improves the diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer
The agent “exhibits powerful tumor delineation” in challenging cases of determining cancer subtypes, and could potentially lead to more personalized, effective treatment strategies.
Industry partnership set to advance research on theranostics
The deal will create a Therapy Command Center to support the study and use of theranostics across Massachusetts General Hospital and its affiliated centers in bordering states.

Racial, socioeconomic disparities pervade PET imaging

Use of PET among Medicare beneficiaries with cancer increased from 2004 to 2008, but the increase was not even between sociodemographic groups as the modality had higher utilization among whites and those in higher income zip codes, according to a study published in the September issue of Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Perceived Radiation Risks, Alzheimers Disease and Next-generation Imaging Approaches

This issue provides discussions about potential risks associated with diagnostic tests in pediatric patients, PET probes for imaging neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as emerging hybrid imaging technologies such as PET/MRI.

Balancing Risk-benefit in Pediatric Nuclear Medicine Far from Childs Play

Professional societies have stepped up efforts to minimize administered activity, based on updated dosage cards and guidelines. Medical physicists recognize that while these protocols are helpful, there is room for improvement.

I-131 Best Practice Or In Need of Use Revision?

Iodine-131 is lauded for its specificity in targeting thyroid lesions. Yet, some experts are debating whether the treatment should be used across the board or stratified.

Targeting Lesion Localization: A New Era

While whole-body oncology imaging advances are still emerging, the best modality remains to be seen.

Coding for Dopamine Transporter Imaging with I-123 Ioflupane

In 2011, the FDA cleared I-123 ioflupane for dopamine transporter imaging, and an SNM expert provides coding advice for Parkinsonian syndromes.

Molecular Imaging of Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Disease

Advancements in molecular neuroimaging are providing new ways to assess neuroinflammation in the brain.

Spotlight On | Alzheimers Disease

With the aging population, the proliferation of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimers, is becoming a truly global burden.

Molecular Imaging

FDA approves expanded use of radioembolization therapy for liver cancer

Post-ablation PET imaging may not be cost-effective in patients with liver metastases

FDA approves expanded use of PET imaging agent

'Powerful' new PET agent improves the diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer

Industry partnership set to advance research on theranostics