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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ASNC publishes new amyloidosis imaging guidelines

“We anticipate that these expert multisocietal consensus recommendations on multimodality imaging in cardiac amyloidosis will standardize the diagnosis and improve the management of this highly morbid and underdiagnosed disease," wrote authors of the new guidelines published in the Journal of Nuclear Cardiology.

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Nuclear medicine, cardio groups reject proposed myocardial PET cuts

Multiple nuclear medicine and cardiology groups are working to oppose potential cuts to myocardial PET scans that were made possible by the CMS 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, according to a joint statement.

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Industry groups oppose proposed myocardial PET cuts

When CMS released the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, it included revisions that could lead to technical component payment reductions of up to 80% for certain services related to myocardial PET scans.

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Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT adds value to prostate cancer management

Using [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT to monitor treatment response in prostate cancer patients can offer important lesion-based insights over prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based monitoring, according to a new study published in EJNMMI Research.

DOE hands out final cooperative agreement for Mo-99 production

The Department of Energy (DOE)’s National Nuclear Security Administration has issued a fourth, and final, cooperative agreement to Corvallis, Oregon-based Northwest Medical Isotopes, LLC.

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Paul Ryan selected to SHINE’s board of directors

In July, SHINE was one of three companies to receive $15 million in funding from the Department of Energy (DOE)’s National Nuclear Security Administration to bolster its production of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99).

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New PET center combines radiology, psychiatry to combat opioid use disorder

The Penn PET Addiction Center of Excellence (PACE) will harness the minds of radiology and psychiatry researchers to better understand opioid use disorder and develop improvement treatment options.

NRC proposes updated guidance for patients receiving radioactive material

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is asking for comments on its proposed revision to be submitted by Aug. 26.

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