General Perspectives for Molecular Nuclear Imaging.
- Author:
June Key CHUNG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. jkchung@plaza.snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Nuclear medicine;
Molecular imaging;
Optical imaging;
MR imaging;
Reporter gene
- MeSH:
Diagnostic Imaging;
Disease Progression;
Genes, Reporter;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Molecular Imaging;
Nuclear Medicine;
Optical Imaging
- From:Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
2004;38(2):111-114
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Molecular imaging provides a visualization of normal as well as abnormal cellular processes at a molecular or genetic level rather than at a anatomical level. Conventional medical imaging methods utilize the imaging signals produced by nonspecific physico-chemical interaction. However, molecular imaging methods utilize the imaging signals derived from specific cellular or molecular events. Because molecular and genetic changes precede anatomical change in the course of disease development, molecular imaging can detect early events in disease progression. In the near future, through molecular imaging we can understand basic mechanisms of disease, and diagnose earlier and, subsequently, treat earlier intractable diseases such as cancer, neuro-degenerative diseases, and immunologic disorders. In beginning period, nuclear medicine started as a molecular imaging, and has had a leading role in the field of molecular imaging. But recently molecular imaging has been rapidly developed. Besides nuclear imaging, molecular imaging methods such as optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging are emerging. Each imaging modalities have their advantages and weaknesses. The opportunities from molecular imaging look bright. We should try nuclear medicine continues to have a leading role in molecular imaging.
