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 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.
SNMMI unveils its 2025 Image of the Year
The designation was awarded to a research team from China, who analyzed the efficacy of a novel radiotracer developed to target expression of the PD-L1 protein in suspected head and neck cancers.
3 industry partnerships, 1 clinical aim: Enriching the global supply chain of medical isotopes
Nuclear medicine operations may soon enjoy steadier flows of certain in-demand radioisotopes. If so, much credit will go to companies that had the strategic sense to collaborate with each other.

PET imaging method could improve Type 1 diabetes treatment

Yale University researchers have discovered a new PET imaging method that measures beta-cell mass which could improve monitoring, according to research published online in the August issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

PET tracer IDs estrogen receptor variation in breast cancer patients

Dutch researchers utilized a PET tracer to distinguish differences in estrogen receptor (ER) expression in metastatic breast cancer patients, according to a recent Journal of Nuclear Medicine study. Findings may enhance treatment for these patients.

Molecular imaging tool can map cancer cell division in real-time

Researchers from Columbia University in New York have developed a molecular imaging tool that can track metabolic changes in individual living cells in real time, according to research published July 30 in Nature Communications.

MRI enhances cellular resolution to determine effectiveness of cancer therapy

Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) successfully used high-resolution MRI and a cell-labeling technique to visualize nearly 100 cells, which may allow clinicians to assess the effectiveness of immune cell- and stem cell-based therapies to treat cancer.

Can a new clinical state for prostate cancer help personalize treatment for the disease?

For patients with metastatic prostate cancer, understanding its genesis and evolution can mean all the difference for treatment. But, what if, as a recent Journal of Nuclear Medicine perspective proposes, a new “clinical state” could improve understanding and treatment of the disease?

SNMMI, imaging leaders back $20M in federal funds for Mo-99 production

The Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), along with a host of other leading medical imaging groups and vendors, addressed a July 18 letter to the Senate and House subcommittees on Energy and Water Development voicing its support for $20 million in additional funding to help establish domestic production of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99).

PET imaging helps map Parkinson’s damage to heart

A team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison successfully used PET imaging to visualize heart damage commonly seen in those with Parkinson’s disease. The technique will help develop therapies.

Rural patients suffer as Tc-99m production stops at Australia's only nuclear medicine generator

The shutdown of Australia’s sole nuclear medicine generator due to mechanical problems is beginning to impact patient treatment, particularly for individuals in rural parts of the country, the Guardian reported.

Molecular Imaging

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

SNMMI unveils its 2025 Image of the Year

3 industry partnerships, 1 clinical aim: Enriching the global supply chain of medical isotopes