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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Slow growth expected for worldwide nuclear imaging market

The global market for nuclear imaging technology is forecasted to reach $2.2 billion in 2020, just a 3.3 percent compound annual growth rate over the $1.83 billion noted for 2013, according to a December 2014 report by GlobalData.

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Watch neurons fire with fluorescence imaging

Fluorescent lights depict the electrical firing of neurons in the brain in this striking video demonstration reported by Bloomberg. The technology was developed by Adam E. Cohen, PhD, a Harvard neuroscientist and professor of chemical biology and physics.

Additional PET/CT alters treatment, predicts survival for certain cancer patients

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma is a painful and debilitating cancer. Another PET/CT after surgery and before adjuvant therapy could improve survival for these patients, according to a study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

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Neuroimaging in art

Every week, Molecular Imaging brings hard-hitting neuroimaging research to light, but today we are highlighting the unorthodox work of one neuroscientist—his paintings, in fact, which depict the microstructure of the brain.

Deadline for SNMMI governmental fellowship approaches

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Robert E. Henkin Fellowship is an annual opportunity for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging professionals just starting out in their careers and are involved closely in government relations.

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Treatment for a neurological disorder in children is all in the genes

A protein called neurofibromin and a competing pathway could be the ticket to a novel gene therapy for a rare pediatric disorder called neurofibromatosis, which is associated with autism and learning difficulties. The proposed therapy could reverse these symptoms, announced officials from the University of Texas (UT) Southwestern on Monday.

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More than $1.1M goes to Worcester Polytechnic for a revamped nuclear program

Four generous grants from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have been bestowed on the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass., institute officials announced today.

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DOTATATE PET/CT changed treatment plans for 60% of NET patients

PET/CT with Ga-68 DOTATATE has been found to change treatment plans in a majority of patients receiving initial evaluation and subsequent staging of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), according to the results of two referring physician surveys published Dec. 11 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

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