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.

Largest network of private cardiology groups in US to deploy GE HealthCare's cardiac PET tracer
One of the tracer’s more significant advantages is its extended half-life of 109 minutes—significantly longer than other currently available PET MPI imaging agents.
Some PET exams may be overutilized in oncology
In 2020 alone, there were more than 2 million 18F-FDG PET/CT scans conducted in the United States.
PSMA-PET imaging not the most cost-effective option for many prostate cancer patients
The exam effectively helps providers manage patients’ treatment options, but for some, the costs associated with those treatments may negate the value of its findings.
1st patient dosed with new radiopharmaceutical targeting cancer bone pain
The treatment can offer patients a more potent, cost-effective alternative providing long-lasting relief compared to current pain regimens.
Inflammation-targeting PET method predicts recovery after heart attack
Targeting CXCR4 during PET scans could help providers gain vital information regarding patients' potential to fully recover from myocardial infarction.

3 indications auguring well for the future of pediatric PET/MRI

In pediatric care settings, hybrid PET/MR imaging combines “exquisite soft-tissue information obtained by MR imaging with functional information provided by PET.”

FDA clears spinal-tap test that could challenge PET in Alzheimer’s diagnostics

The FDA has approved a lab test for evaluating cognitively impaired adults who may be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine vaccination

FDG PET/CT radiomics distinguishes between vaccine-related or metastatic breast cancer lymphadenopathy

The findings could help clinicians manage patients’ treatment when the origin of axillary lymphadenopathy is of concern, experts suggested.

Combination therapy that includes new radionuclide proves effective for metastatic prostate cancer

The therapeutic combination of 177Lu-PSMA-617 with idronoxil (NOX66) reduced PSA levels in 86% of study participants.

New radiotracer that detects prostate cancer recurrence produces 'stunning' results

The research focused on a radiopharmaceutical that contains the isotope zirconium 89, which has a significantly longer half-life compared to gallium-68-labelled PSMA ligands.

Netherlands nuclear reactor has resumed operations after unplanned outage

The supply of medical radioisotopes is expected to normalize in the next two weeks now that the Petten HFR has resumed production.

SNMMI selects first Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Centers of Excellence

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging's program was established to ensure that institutions adhere to the strict regulatory training, qualification and performance standards necessary to safely deliver radiopharmaceutical therapies.

Radiology leaders speak out in support of Ukraine

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leaders in the radiology community are speaking out and publicly denouncing the aggressions.

Molecular Imaging

Largest network of private cardiology groups in US to deploy GE HealthCare's cardiac PET tracer

Some PET exams may be overutilized in oncology

PSMA-PET imaging not the most cost-effective option for many prostate cancer patients

1st patient dosed with new radiopharmaceutical targeting cancer bone pain

Inflammation-targeting PET method predicts recovery after heart attack