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.

Tariffs not enough to make Siemens Healthineers move production or raise prices—yet
The imaging manufacturer expects to spend between $227 million and $340 million on tariff mitigation efforts, leaders said Wednesday.
FDA approves new prostate cancer imaging agent with extended shelf life
The new product from Telix paves the way for increased access at clinics where prostate PET may not have been available in the past.
Dementia cases are about to skyrocket—how will this affect imaging demand?
Recent projections could create an environment of unprecedented demand for nuclear imaging.
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.”
New prostate cancer PET imaging agent officially available for commercial use
Posluma (flotufolastat F 18) received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval in May 2023.

Tariffs not enough to make Siemens Healthineers move production or raise prices—yet

The imaging manufacturer expects to spend between $227 million and $340 million on tariff mitigation efforts, leaders said Wednesday.

FDA approves new prostate cancer imaging agent with extended shelf life

The new product from Telix paves the way for increased access at clinics where prostate PET may not have been available in the past.

Dementia cases are about to skyrocket—how will this affect imaging demand?

Recent projections could create an environment of unprecedented demand for nuclear imaging.

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.”

New prostate cancer PET imaging agent officially available for commercial use

Posluma (flotufolastat F 18) received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval in May 2023.

Will PET imaging be covered alongside new Alzheimer's drugs? CMS dodges topic in new coverage decision

The recent CMS coverage determination did not make any mention of beta-amyloid PET imaging that is necessary for both diagnosing Alzheimer’s and monitoring the effectiveness of related treatments.

Q4 and full-year 2022 results in for GE HealthCare

GE HealthCare has some favorable tailwinds at its back as it proceeds into its first year unattached to a certain venerable parent corporation.

FAPI PET/CT shows promise as a better radiotracer for cancer than 18F-FDG. It also can be used for detection of infection and inflammation.

VIDEO: 6 key advances in molecular imaging technology for PET and SPECT

Munir Ghesani, MD, President of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), system chief of nuclear medicine at Mount Sinai Health, explains recent advances in nuclear imaging technology.

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Health Imaging

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Health Imaging

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