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Newly developed radio-labeled molecule enables real-time imaging of innate immune activity

Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center developed a novel PET imaging tool to selectively monitor inflammation and innate immune activity. The new radio-labeled molecule, [18F]4FN, is more specific and robust than existing agents, offering potential for early biomarker detection of immune-related adverse events.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

PSMA PET validates EAU classification system to determine risk of prostate cancer recurrence

A new study confirms the accuracy of the European Association of Urology (EAU) risk classification system for prostate cancer patients, using PSMA PET imaging to identify subgroups with varying disease risks. High-risk groups showed higher metastatic disease rates, while low-risk groups had undetectable or distant metastases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 20, 2022

JNM publishes appropriate use criteria for prostate-specific membrane antigen pet imaging

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published appropriate use criteria (AUC) for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET imaging. The guidelines provide a framework for healthcare providers to determine the most effective use of PSMA PET scans in patients with suspected or known prostate cancer.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 7, 2022

UCLA-led study provides first indirect evidence that PSMA PET/CT surpasses conventional imaging in detecting occult prostate cancer spread and predicting long-term course and outcomes

A recent UCLA-led study provided indirect evidence that PSMA PET/CT improves risk-stratification and prognostic capabilities for high-risk prostate cancer patients. The study found that PSMA nomogram outperformed existing tools in predicting clinical outcomes, suggesting its significance in disease course prediction.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2021

New PET imaging-based tool detects liver inflammation from fatty liver disease

A team of researchers at UC Davis Health has developed a novel PET imaging-based tool to detect liver inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The tool uses dynamic PET imaging and mathematical modeling to measure glucose transport from blood to liver tissue, allowing clinicians to quantify liver inflammation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateNov 30, 2021

New method gives rapid, objective insight into how cells are changed by disease

A new 'image analysis pipeline' called TDAExplore gives scientists rapid insight into how cells are changed by disease, using a combination of microscopy, topology, and artificial intelligence. This approach can provide objective information on cell changes, such as the movement of proteins like actin, even with limited training data.

Brain reveals the risk for developing obesity

A study at the University of Turku found that brain function regulating satiety and appetite is altered before obesity develops, with family background risk factors contributing to these changes. The findings suggest the brain and central nervous system are key targets for treating obesity.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 3, 2021

Molecular imaging suggests Long-COVID symptoms may be caused by fatigue, not regional brain dysfunction

A recent study suggests that Long-COVID symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and fatigue, may be attributed to fatigue rather than pathological changes in the brain. Neuroimaging results showed no significant differences in cerebral glucose metabolism or brain pathology between patients with long-COVID and healthy controls.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 29, 2021

Detector advance could lead to cheaper, easier medical scans

Researchers have demonstrated a new technique for cross-sectional medical images without the need for tomography, enabling faster and more accurate imaging. The breakthrough is made possible by ultrafast photon detectors that can precisely determine the arrival times of photons, allowing for reconstruction-free positron emission imaging.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Hopkins Med newsletter 7

Researchers identified a pattern that links the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins with a reduction of serotonin, which may help predict who will develop late-life depression. The study found that individuals expressing this pattern had more severe depressive symptoms.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 7, 2021

Cell labelling method from microscopy adapted for use in whole-body imaging for the first time

Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new cell labelling method using SNAP-tag technology and positron emission tomography (PET) for whole-body imaging. This breakthrough allows for the visualization of specific cellular processes, opening up new avenues for understanding bodily functions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Newly approved PET imaging agent solves clinical dilemmas in breast cancer patients

A new PET imaging agent has been shown to solve 87% of diagnostic dilemmas in breast cancer patients, providing valuable information for personalized treatment decision-making. The agent's ability to visualize estrogen receptor expression across the body may improve patient outcomes and support broader implementation in clinical practice.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 29, 2021

New scanning technology could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease using light

Researchers developed a non-invasive optical technique using spectroscopy to identify structural changes in the brain and diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The new technology has potential as a simple, completely non-invasive method of early detection and could also assess treatment effectiveness.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

PSMA-targeted radiotracer pinpoints metastatic prostate cancer across anatomic regions

A phase III clinical trial validates the effectiveness of 18F-DCFPyL in detecting and localizing recurrent prostate cancer, achieving high positive predictive values across various regions. The study's results support the use of PSMA-targeted radiotracers as the most sensitive and accurate agents for imaging prostate cancer.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 15, 2021

Alzheimer's disease is composed of four distinct subtypes

Researchers have identified four distinct patterns of tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease, each leading to unique symptoms and prognoses. These subtypes include variant one, which primarily affects memory, and variants two, three, and four, which impact executive functions, visuospatial processing, and language ability, respectively.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 29, 2021

Molecular imaging determines effectiveness of novel metastatic breast cancer treatment

Researchers used positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 18F-fluoroestradiol to predict response to a novel treatment for ER-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer patients. The study found that higher baseline 18F-fluoroestradiol uptake was associated with longer progression-free survival.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2021

Imaging the twilight zone

Researchers used novel experimental designs to study brain activity during general anesthesia and normal sleep. They found that the effects of anesthesia and sleep on brain activity were surprisingly similar, pointing to a common central core brain network fundamental for human consciousness.