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 radioembolization therapy for liver cancer
The added indications make the treatment the first Y-90 therapy approved for both unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic colorectal cancer of the liver.
Post-ablation PET imaging may not be cost-effective in patients with liver metastases
Although most radiology organizations agree that [18F]FDG PET/CT can provide valuable information in these patients post-treatment, their recommendations differ on its use.
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.

FDA calls for investigation into Alzheimer’s drug; imaging group maintains amyloid PET is key

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging says such scans are key for diagnosing the disease and will be monitoring the administration's findings.

FDA changes course, limiting suggested uses for groundbreaking Alzheimer’s drug

The agency now recommends Aduhelm only for patients in the early stages of the disease, more closely aligning with the population tested during clinical trials.

Doctors warn against off-label use of aducanumab amid adverse amyloid imaging findings

Leading experts say there is no clinical evidence the controversial drug can help patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a condition similar to Alzheimer's disease.

Shine completes $150M financing round to advance medical isotope production capabilities

Koch Disruptive Technologies led this series C-5 effort, with others including Fidelity Management & Research Company and Baillie Gifford also chipping in.

Medical isotope specialist NorthStar announces new executive hire

Frank Scholz, PhD, will oversee the Beloit, Wisconsin, firm's Mo-99 expansion efforts and new radioisotope development programs, among other duties.

GE Healthcare doubling distribution of imaging tracer to meet expected demand for new Alzheimer’s drug

General Electric's $18 billion healthcare arm anticipates physicians will require more doses of its Vizamyl F18-PET agent, used to diagnose beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.

Imaging tracer spots deadly AAAs—potentially before life-threatening ruptures occur

Abdominal aortic aneurysms typically remain asymptomatic until they burst, making earlier detection and treatment high priorities for physicians.

‘Super-resolution’ PET utilizes unwanted movements to bolster brain imaging

Boston researchers combined molecular imaging with motion tracking and additional baseline scan data to produce high-quality exams.

Molecular Imaging

FDA approves expanded use of radioembolization therapy for liver cancer

Post-ablation PET imaging may not be cost-effective in patients with liver metastases

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