Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a nuclear imaging modality that has been around for over 50 years. However, SPECT as a medical imaging tool, which is in most of the hospitals in the world has waited a long time to be used in cancer imaging. Today, the only way to image cancer is with a Positron emission tomography (PET) camera which is found in less than 1% of worldwide hospitals due primarily to the expense.
Cell>Point, L.L.C., a biotech company located in Colorado, is completing Phase 3 trials with 99mTc-Oncardia, an agent initially developed at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and acquired by Cell>Point which is imaging lung cancer on SPECT cameras with greater accuracy, access and lower cost.
Historical Use of SPECT Cameras
SPECT scan is a type of nuclear imaging test, which means it uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3-D pictures used in heart imaging, brain scans and bone scans. SPECT cameras are inexpensive and found in over 90% of the hospitals in the US and majority of hospitals worldwide. The problem until the development of Oncardia by Cell>Point was there was no agent that could image cancer cells using a SPECT camera. The agent Oncardia chelates 99mTc, a medical isotope, with a sugar analog which uptakes in cancer cells. Oncardia localizes 99mTc in the cancer cells which then can be imaged by a SPECT camera.
How Is Radiation Used in a SPECT Scan?
SPECT scans, like the ones performed by Cellpoint L.L.C. Colorado, can detect gamma rays. These rays are emitted by radioactive material known as a tracer such as 99mTc. Since they can be observed during the scan, they are the key element of the image’s formation. Is the radiation harmful to the patient? Unlike PET imaging, the radiation dose is significantly lower reducing harm to the patient.
What Is a SPECT Scan Showing?
The scan is showing where the isotope is localized, which if chelated to Oncardia is the cancer cells.
You can find out more at their website, www.CellpointWeb.com.
