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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Amyloid PET improves diagnosis, treatment in Alzheimer’s patients

For patients with Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid PET imaging can improve diagnosis, diagnostic confidence and treatment, according to a JAMA Neurology study. The method is beneficial whether results are positive or negative.

Aetna expands coverage for Ga-68 dotatate PET

Aetna announced, Thursday, Aug. 16, it will expand its coverage of the PET tracer gallium-68 (Ga-68) dotatate, according to a Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) release. The radiopharmaceutical is now considered “medically necessary.”

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15-minute PET acquisition time for rectal cancer improves care—without extending scan time

Extending PET acquisition time during PET/MRI for rectal cancer staging increases identified lymph nodes and has no impact on scan time, reported authors of a recent American Journal of Roentgenology study.

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Yale researchers link genetics, imaging to improve analysis of brain’s molecular activity

Yale University researchers have developed a new approach that can provide more information about molecular function inside the brain through linking gene expression patterns to brain signals captured by MRI-derived T1-weighted/T2-weighted mapping.

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Microwave imaging method may improve cancer screening, treatment monitoring

A new molecular imaging method developed by engineers from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, may improve cancer screening and treatment monitoring through high-frequency microwaves.  

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SNMMI 2018 names outstanding contributors in nuclear medicine, molecular imaging

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) released its list of members recognized for outstanding dedication and service in the fields of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.  

Which nuclear medicine specialists spend the most time practicing their craft?

In the face of a challenging nuclear medicine (NM) landscape, defined by declining reimbursement and disruptive technology, a group of radiologists set out to determine work patterns of self-identified NM specialists.

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Australian reactor to begin producing Tc-99m following shutdown

Production of technetium-99m (Tc-99m) is expected to resume soon at the Australian generator that was forced to shut down in June, according to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO).

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