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.

Novel PET method improves detection of prostate cancer recurrence

Researchers compared prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT to traditional 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT for the detection of biochemically recurrent prostate cancer.

Novel imaging method limits radiation dosage from PET, SPECT scans

A team of Japan-based researchers have created a medical camera capable of detecting and imaging radiotracers used in both PET and SPECT scans with limited radiation dosage.

ANSTO to raise prices on its medical isotopes

An Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) spokesman told the Australian the increase will be anywhere from 3-9%.

Department of Energy awards cooperative agreements to 3 US companies for Mo-99 production

The Department of Energy (DOE)’s National Nuclear Security Administration has awarded cooperative agreements for the production of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) to three U.S. companies, including NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes.

SNMMI, MITA host briefing to discuss expanding access to radiopharmaceuticals

Industry leaders, including the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA), hosted a Capitol Hill Briefing July 17, to discuss a bipartisan bill that would expand patient access to diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.

NorthStar wraps up construction of new Mo-99 facility

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes has finished construction of its new molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) processing facility in Beloit, Wisconsin, the company announced on July 16.

PET tracer can help ID early signs of MS progression

A novel PET radiotracer can help identify changes in the brain’s grey matter that may be indicative of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a pilot study published in the July issue of Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation.

Interim PET scan during prostate cancer therapy tailors treatment

Adding a scan during a patient’s prostate cancer therapy can help personalize treatment, according to research presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI)’s 2019 Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif.

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