Most people have heard of—and even experienced—x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasounds. These technologies have done much to help doctors and patients see the outsides of organs and tissues inside our bodies. However, to see how cells are functioning—to look underneath the hood, a different kind of technology is needed. Nuclear molecular imaging, used by Cellpoint Colorado, gives doctors and scientists exactly that, a look at how specific areas of the body are working on a cellular level, and this can give them the edge when combatting disease. Here is a look at how it works as well as how it can benefit patients.
How Nuclear Molecular Imaging Works
To get an image of cells inside the body, small amounts of a radioactive isotope is coupled to a targeting ligand transporting the isotope to the diseased cells. These are known as radiopharmaceutical imaging agents. These agents are then detected by cameras, such as PET and SPECT cameras. The cameras, augmented by computer software, are able to produce concise images of the parts of the body that are being studied. Unlike x-rays, CT scans, MRI or ultrasound which cannot differentiate which cells are cancerous, agents such as Oncardia developed by Cellpoint Colorado can differentiate cancer cells in the image.
How Nuclear Molecular Imaging Benefits Patients
Early detection with molecular imaging agents which can image cancer in the early stage provides better outcomes for patients with cancer. Once treatment has been applied, nuclear molecular imaging, such as Oncardia developed by Cellpoint Colorado can be used to better ascertain the effectiveness of the treatment.
To gain the upper hand on the most destructive diseases of our time, it is important to look to more innovative methods like molecular imaging. The team at Cellpoint Colorado is using this technology to tackle this and other diseases.
