Molecular Radiology

Molecular radiology is a specialty that uses compounds called radiopharmaceuticals to detect and treat disease. Radiopharmaceuticals are made by attaching a specialized biological compound to a radioactive molecule called a radionuclide. Depending on the type of compound, the radiopharmaceutical will go to different tissues in your body such as liver, bones, kidneys, thyroid, etc. The radiopharmaceutical is taken up by injured or diseased tissue in different amounts than in surrounding healthy tissue. This difference can be detected on specialized scanners or can be used to treat disease. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has created a video on the value of molecular radiology. The video below highlights several specific examples—with corresponding evidence—of how nuclear medicine and molecular imaging are helping patients with cancer, heart disease, and other diseases. The Value of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging