Frequently Asked Questions

The Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy is an independent research organization with the mission to advance and perform molecular imaging research.

Molecular imaging is a group of procedures that uses molecular probes to provide functional information about the patient or subject being imaged. This is complimentary to imaging techniques such as MRI or CT which provide anatomic information by measuring density or water content. Molecular imaging is a critical component of healthcare for many diseases and provides very exciting research opportunities.

CMIT has expertise in all areas of molecular imaging but focuses on the positron emission tomography (PET) modality. CMIT has expertise in the development, optimization and manufacturing of radiopharmaceuticals, the use of radiopharmaceuticals in the clinical and research environment, and the assessment of the value and results of the use of radiopharmaceuticals in both the clinical and research environments.

A radiopharmaceutical is a drug that contains a small amount of radioactivity and is used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

CMIT is engaged in radiopharmaceutical science research. Specifically, the team has the experience and expertise to optimize radiochemistry synthesis, develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents, and perform large scale production of molecular imaging probes. Through CMIT’s manufacturing and distribution laboratories, CMIT provides radiopharmaceuticals for clinical and research applications.

PET imaging uses specific radiopharmaceuticals to produce images which contain information helpful for clinical and research applications. The information explored by a given PET imaging procedure depends upon the specific radiopharmaceutical used. CMIT offers procedures for a variety of oncology, neurology and cardiology indications using multiple in-house available radiopharmaceuticals. CMIT is also engaged in several clinical trials to understand diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer.

CMIT is focused on developing novel radiopharmaceuticals and investigating new applications of these radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging and therapy. CMIT has specialized facilities that includes radiochemistry research laboratories, biology labortories, translational research facilities, cyclotron facilities, and clinical imaging facilities.