Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy

The Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy, formerly the PET Imaging Center, was established as the first positron emission tomography imaging center in Louisiana. It specializes in the production and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals, technologically advanced clinical trials and research opportunities for scientists.

The PET Imaging Center (PETIC) was established in 1995 by BRF as one of the first non-academic, full-service PET imaging centers in the United States and the first in Louisiana. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a molecular imaging technique that produces images that assist in the early diagnosis and therapeutic assessment of diseases which may lead to better patient outcomes and reduced medical costs.

In 2013, PETIC expanded its mission and services to become the Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT). CMIT seeks to be a national resource that will provide Louisiana residents with increased access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, as well as increasing the clinical and pre-clinical research capacity of local and regional research institutions.

Research Focus

Currently CMIT manufactures radiopharmaceuticals that are used for diagnosis and therapy assessment for oncology, cardiology, and neuroimaging

CMIT continues to expand the molecular imaging program through its two main divisions:

The Radiopharmaceutical Division for expanded access to novel and exotic radio pharmaceuticals.
The Imaging Sciences Division for conducting cutting-edge clinical trials.

CMIT is providing access to diagnostic probes as advanced medical tools for our local population and physicians. For instance, patients with prostate cancer have access to an image-guided treatment option, and state-of-the-art advanced medical care via targeted alpha therapy. Similarly, patients with neurodegenerative disorder would have access to radiopharmaceuticals specific to such disease and could assist physicians to customize therapy for their patient for better outcome. Such options are currently available only at select academic centers across the nation.

CMIT has been engaged in multiple clinical trials over the last few years, ranging from treating prostate cancer patients with advanced experimental radiotherapy, to localizing endocrine abnormalities leading to hyperinsulism in infants, and imaging patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Over the past three years, CMIT has increased participation in sponsored multi-center trials for oncology and neurology. Sponsors include the American College of Radiology ImagingNetwork (ACRIN), Avid Pharmaceuticals, Bayer Healthcare, Eli Lilly, GE Healthcare, and Navidia Biopharmaceuticals.

Additionally, CMIT provides radiopharmaceutical and imaging support for clinical trials performed at LSU Health Shreveport, University Health Shreveport and other centers throughout the nation. The CMIT strengthens Shreveport and the surrounding areas as a hub for medical treatments and research. It enhances the notion that Shreveport stands as a preferred location for medical treatment in Louisiana.

PET Imaging

Since 1995 CMIT has performed over 9,700 scans, valued at $30.6 million, free of charge to indigent patients, primarily to Louisiana residents at University Health Shreveport (formerly LSU Health Shreveport hospital). Since 1994, CMIT has performed over 46,000 clinical procedures and has helped to establish PET imaging as the standard of care in the fields of oncology and neurology. Plans for growth include the construction of a new facility to house CMIT’s radiopharmaceutical research and production activities, as well as its diagnostic and therapeutic scanning operations.

Radiopharmaceutical Production and Distribution

CMIT has continued to expand radiopharmaceutical availability through enhanced production capabilities and expanded radiopharmaceutical inventory. Through cyclotrons in Shreveport and Baton Rouge for radiopharmaceutical production and PET imaging facility in Shreveport, CMIT has significant resources to provide state-of-the-art molecular imaging services.

Visit The Website

To find more information about The Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy, follow the link below to the CMIT official website.

Visit

For more information contact

PRADEEP GARG, Ph.D.
Executive Director
318.675.4002 • Pradeep.Garg@cmitla.org

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