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 for myocardial innervation expands with F-18 labeled agent

First-in-human study of an investigational radiotracer, F-18 LMI1195, shows clear imaging of myocardial innervation via the norepinephrine transporter system—tipping off potential adverse cardiac events, according to a study published July 3 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Dementia numbers falling in some countries and underestimated in others

New cases of dementia are diminished in developed nations, which could be a sign of the successes of preventative care and reduced risk factors. On the other hand, dementia may have been sorely underestimated in countries with lower and middle incomes, according to research presented during the current Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

AAIC 2014: Alzheimer’s risk factors in sharper relief

A number of factors are standing out as promoters for and protectors against the development of Alzheimer’s disease, according to research presented during the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) being held July 12-17 at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Amino-acid PET imaging of gliomas in the spotlight

Amino-acid biomarkers have undergone an evolution in the imaging of gliomas. Several agents have shown to be particularly useful, most notably C-11 MET, F-18 FDOPA, FLT and FET, according to a review of amino-acid imaging published July 8 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

FET-PET may monitor treatment response in glioblastoma

Preliminary research shows that O-(2-[18F]-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET) could be used as a biomarker for response to chemoradiotherapy in glioblastoma patients, the University of West Australia School of Medicine announced last week.

Novel optical imaging system tracks toxicity via DNA accumulation

A preclinical imaging system that takes conventional microscopy and transforms it into a molecular imaging platform uses fluorescence and luminescence as well as radioisotope biomarkers and high resolution x-ray. The technique is called intravital microscopy, according to a study published online July 12 in Hepatology.

AAIC 2014 convenes in Copenhagen

The Alzheimer's Association International Conference is schedule to be held July 12-17 at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark. The meeting will feature many scientific sessions, plenary sessions and symposia dedicated to the most up-to-date Alzheimer's disease research.

Data uncover genomic signatures of most common lung cancer

Specific genetic mutations in an ear-marked pathway now have been implicated in the development of lung adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent subtype of lung cancer, according to a study published online July 9 in Nature. The discovery of these mutations could hone drug targets for new therapies down the road.

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