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.

Hospitals should be required to report adverse radioisotope injections, expert argues

Inflitration occurs when a a radiotracer is not safely injected into an individual's vein, but the true impact of these adverse events remains unknown to patients and physicians.

New PET imaging approach depicts widespread damage of early Alzheimer’s

A novel radiotracer and synaptic imaging revealed "widespread" losses throughout the brain, Yale University researchers reported Wednesday.

Australian reactor produces new radioisotope with potential to enhance molecular imaging

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization said its new scandium-47 radioisotope has applications in both PET and SPECT approaches.

Digital PET/CT roots out smaller cancers with quicker imaging times

Clinicians using this modern machine can get a more accurate contrast measurement and improve their cancer diagnosis, researchers wrote in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

PSMA PET/CT tops conventional imaging for pinpointing high-risk cancer

Australian researchers also recommended updating current diagnostic pathways to incorporate the new molecular imaging approach.

Medical imaging radiation exposure fell by 20% over past decade

The drop bucks a nearly quarter-century-long trend in rising radiation dosage, dating back to 1980, researchers wrote Tuesday in Radiology.

ASNC monitoring potential Mo-99 supply shortages due to COVID-19

The president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology said there are no shortfalls reported at this time, but the organization is keeping an eye on the situation as more countries implement travel bans.

Simple sit-down has outsized impact on patients prepping for nuclear medicine exams

Montefiore Medical Center has been running its pretreatment nuclear medicine clinic for 14 years, and its had an overwhelming impact on patients, according to a new study published in Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology.

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