The next generation of molecular imaging technology is here. Pioneers plan to deploy integrated molecular imaging early next year. This newest solution takes a new approach. Siemens Medical Solutions Biograph mCT (molecular CT) unites top-of-the-line molecular imaging components such as ultraHDPET technologyHDPET and time-of-flight, combined with advanced CT capabilities up to 128 slices to offer dramatic clinical and throughput improvements. The system, which shows the sum of CT and PET is greater than its parts, also provides increased flexibility and speed, key metrics in todays tight fiscal climate.

Measuring the oxygen tension, or hypoxia, is critical in determining the effectiveness of radiation therapy, since patients with hypoxic tumors typically have a poor treatment response. Molecular imaging techniques and new imaging biomarkers in development offer a variety of approaches to imaging hypoxic regions in tumorsgoing beyond mere tumor detection to tumor biology characterization for more personalized treatmentintended to improve therapy outcomes and stop the spread of disease.

With the introduction of new molecular imaging modalities, the line between nuclear medicine and radiology blurs a little bit more. While there might have been some tension in the past, with radiologists viewing nuclear medicine as unclear medicine and nuclear medicine physicians operating without the knowledge and experience of cross-sectional imaging, there is now a meeting of the minds of radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians. SPECT/CT utilization is steadily being greeted with more enthusiasm and acceptance within the radiologic community, particularly due to its ability to merge anatomical and functional information, and ultimately, increase diagnostic accuracy and expediency.

Truly integrated imaging has arrived. The lines between radiologyand nuclear medicine have blurred with increased utilization ofcross-modality solutions. Several factors are fueling the uptake ofPET/CT—the primary integrated imaging solution.

The ACR is set to launch a new modular MRI accreditation program designed to meet the specific practice patterns of individual facilities. Sometime this month, the current general MRI accreditation program will transition to the new program—which includes brain, spine, musculoskeletal, body, MR angiography, and cardiac modules—opening the door to

Imaging biomarkers have been developed for use in early cancer diagnosis, staging and restaging of disease and monitoring the effects of therapeutic interventions. In addition, biomarkers for evaluating coronary function and perfusion are well-established. Imaging biomarkers targeting neurodegenerative diseases also are widely used in the clinic.

Obesity is a known risk factor for ischemic heart disease, and conducting advanced coronary analysis within this patient population is challenging. SPECT/CT has emerged as a molecular imaging workhorse for evaluating obese patients with coronary artery disease.

CLR1404 is entering clinical trials as an anti-cancer therapy agent. It appears well-suited to staging a variety of cancer types and metastatic disease. More specific than FDG, it avoids the complications caused by inflammation or scar tissue. Stay tuned.