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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FDA draws up new regulatory strategy for research, pharmaceuticals and devices

Almost 50 percent of devices and 40 percent of medications administered in the U.S. are produced outside its borders. Around 80 percent of the producers of active pharmaceutical ingredients are internationally based and the speed of global research and commerce is swiftly changing. Clearly, the regulatory framework needs to keep up. With that in mind, the FDA is setting new priorities for the coming years. An official document has been drawn up by the FDA to that effect.

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PET/CT changed diagnosis in 21% of breast cancer patients under 40

Patients less than 40 years of age originally diagnosed with one of the first three stages of breast cancer underwent a change in clinical staging as a result of PET/CT scanning, according to a study announced Oct. 1 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).

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NIR optical brain scanner wins $3.7M Marine Corps contract

A brain scanner based on differential near-infrared (NIR) energy is getting a healthy push forward with a $3.7 million, four-year contract with the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy for the development of diagnostic imaging for traumatic brain injury and hematoma, makers InfraScan announced Oct. 1.

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Integrin PET imaging during therapy may not tell the whole story

Anti-angiogenesis drugs have been making waves as treatments for some cancers. Researchers have been developing new biomarkers to map the progress of these therapies, including those that target integrin expression. However, a new study published online yesterday in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine indicates that integrin expression imaging may not provide a mirror image of the impact of peptide therapy as it occurs.

Angsty women in mid-life may be at higher risk for Alzheimer’s

Yet another risk factor for neurodegenerative disease has cropped up in recent studies: Worry among older women. Research conducted at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden provided a score on the scale of neuroticism for 800 women in mid-life and evaluated any potential links to Alzheimer's. Those who peaked on the anxiety scale were two times as likely to develop the disease.

Novel amino-acid PET tracer may increase specificity for certain cancers

A first-in-human study of (D)-18F-fluoromethyltyrosine (D-18F-FMT), a tyrosine derivative, is being evaluated for diagnostic imaging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well as head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC). Results show that it could provide some differentiation in a space dominated by FDG, according to a study published Sept. 25 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

A breakdown of genetic biomarkers

An analysis of genetic biomarkers from Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology explains the differences between predictive and prognostic characteristics and provides a perspective on the current landscape of research and development for a number of key assays.

Flurpiridaz PET MPI data reveal lower dose than conventional SPECT

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with PET and F-18 flurpiridaz may reduce radiation dose while still providing comparable image quality to SPECT, the current standard, according to a study presented at the recent American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) Annual Scientific Session held in Boston from Sept 18-21.