Making the old new again
Two of the more venerable technologies in molecular imaging—the gamma camera and MR spectroscopy—are showing renewed vigor with leading-edge applications in breast and prostate imaging, respectively.

Although the gamma camera has been in use for a number of years, breast specific gamma imaging (BSGI) is a relatively new application of the technology. A multi-center team of scientists recently put the modality to the test by comparing its sensitivity for detection of invasive lobular carcinoma with MRI, ultrasonography and mammography.

The results appear promising, with BGSI demonstrating a higher detection sensitivity than any of the other modalities; in these tough economic times, it could turn out to be a lower cost and more easily interpreted tool for finding this insidious form of breast cancer.

Turning from gamma counts to magnetic spectroscopy, investigators in New York City report that the use of pre-treatment MR imaging and MR spectroscopic imaging and molecular marker analysis of biopsy samples could favorably affect treatment selection for patients with prostate cancer.

The scientists who conducted the study suggest their work is the beginning of a new era where imaging and pathologic examination can provide more than just tumor detection and grading.

In other news, if you or your group is interested in finding out more about the possibilities for molecular imaging in your practice head over to our Healthcare TechGuide and check out the variety of systems offered there.

Lastly, if you have a comment or report to share about the utilization of molecular imaging and nuclear medicine in your practice, please contact me at the address below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jonathan Batchelor, Web Editor
jbatchelor@trimedmedia.com

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