Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine (also called molecular imaging) includes positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Nuclear imaging is achieved by injecting small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) into patients before or during their scan. 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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Siemens Healthineers

Siemens Healthineers to acquire Novartis imaging unit for over $223M

The Swiss pharmaceutical firm operates Europe’s second largest network of cyclotrons, used to manufacture radioactive compounds needed for PET scans.  

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'Game changer' prostate imaging agent granted FDA's Fast Track designation

The PET agent was developed for men with PSMA-positive lesions who have suspected metastasis and are candidates for initial definitive therapy.

Newsletters

Imaging advocates want nuclear medicine technologists reclassified as healthcare professionals

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging made its case in an Aug. 12 letter to the Office of Management and Budget.

FAPI PET improves staging and clinical management for a significant portion of pancreatic cancers

Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor PET imaging may provide more accurate insight into the spread of pancreatic cancer than more commonly used 18F-FDG PET/CT.

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

FDA sees potential in new PET imaging agent for cardiac amyloidosis

Early evidence suggests a new PET imaging agent from California-based Attralus can help evaluate all varieties of systemic cardiac amyloidosis. It has now been granted the FDA's breakthrough therapy designation. 

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FDA denies pharma firm’s initial application for new kidney cancer imaging agent

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. announced the news on July 31, with the decision applying to its TLX250-CDx investigational agent for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (brand name Zircaix). 

Hall of Fame Health partnership set to advance study of neurodegeneration via new PET imaging agent

The organization is teaming up with CereMark Pharma to conduct research on improving outcomes in soldiers and athletes with neurodegenerative conditions.

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Pharmacist pleads guilty to 'adulterating' radiopharmaceuticals

According to the DOJ, the pharmacist and those working under him “would ‘fractionate’ or ‘split’ the active ingredient of Technescan MAG3, without ensuring the pieces were equal in size, purity or strength.” 

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