Molecular Imaging
Philips is among the leaders in investigating the potential of molecular imaging (MI) and its impact on healthcare. To meet the unique requirements of MI, Philips is developing next-generation Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). Competence in these and other imaging modalities, combined with significant research resources and marketing channels, will enable Philips to fulfill the promise of MI to improve the quality of life through true predictive and preventive medicine.
Molecular imaging (MI) combines new molecular agents with traditional imaging tools to capture pictures of specific molecular pathways in the body, particularly those that are key targets in disease processes. Molecular imaging holds the unique potential of simultaneously being able to find, diagnose and treat disease in vivo (i.e., inside the body), as well as the ability to depict how well a particular treatment is working. The field of molecular imaging has become possible through recent advances in molecular and cell biology techniques, new methods of combinatorial drug design, high throughput testing, and the emergence of novel imaging techniques and probes. Significant funding to further MI became available from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies in the late-1990s. This funding helped spur research into a broad range of clinical applications.
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Philips Healthcare is a leader in the molecular imaging arena. The company is developing next-generation PET as well as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems that meet the unique requirements of molecular imaging. For example, it is important to accurately pinpoint anatomically the position of the targeted event (e.g., the tumor you want to treat). This is accomplished by simultaneously imaging targeted cells with both nuclear cameras and a high resolution CT (computed tomography) system. The combined images, referred to as fused images, allow physicians to accurately define the locations of target cells. While emphasis today is on highly sensitive nuclear medicine techniques, scientists expect all imaging modalities will soon be affected by molecular imaging. There is already active molecular imaging work using MRI, ultrasound, CT and optical imaging. While imaging today focuses on anatomy and morphology, imaging modalities will soon be required to image the anatomy, its morphology and the molecular processes involved. Another requirement of molecular imaging is to provide quantitative information, such as the aggressiveness of a tumor or the functionality of an organ such as the heart. This requires software algorithms to process and analyze the metabolic or physiologic uptake of imaging agents by target cells. Ongoing development within Philips includes systems that combine a nuclear camera with both a CT system and unique acquisition and processing computers. These complex systems provide physicians with clinical information that both characterizes disease and suggests the most appropriate treatment options for each patient. Philips researchers are also evaluating nuclear camera design and new detector materials in an effort to create imaging systems that can detect target cells in earlier stages but generate images more quickly to increase comfort and convenience for patients. Finally, Philips recognizes the importance of creating imaging devices and software that can absorb the specific requirements of each molecular imaging agent. The company has developed collaborative agreements with several leading pharmaceutical companies to create imaging systems that optimize image content, as well as software that provides physicians with quantitative clinical information. To date, Philips has established relationships with KEREOS and Theseus to collaboratively determine camera design requirements to effectively image with specific molecular agents. The agreement with KEREOS resulted in an National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant that combines the technological expertise of Philips with the capability of KEREOS to develop new molecular imaging agents. Both the KEREOS and Theseus agreements include Philips’ sponsorship of clinical trials at a number of leading institutions around the world to assess the combined efficacy of the molecular imaging agents and the Philips-designed nuclear cameras.
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Back to top For more information about molecular imaging or to speak with an expert in the field, please contact: Heidi Wilson, Philips Healthcare, 978-659-7302 |
A positioning paper for Philips Healthcare in MID