PET/CT Imaging Isotopes

At Capitol Imaging Services (CIS), we are proud to offer advanced PET/CT imaging that goes beyond basic diagnostics. With access to high-precision radiotracers (isotopes)—many of which are not available at most hospitals—we help healthcare providers and patients gain deeper insight into cancer, neurological conditions, and endocrine system disorders.

These imaging tools not only assist in diagnosis, but also track the effectiveness of costly cancer treatments, supporting better outcomes and more informed clinical decisions.

PET/CT stands for Positron Emission Tomography combined with Computed Tomography. This hybrid imaging technique captures detailed images of both the structure and function of organs and tissues.

• CT provides a clear anatomical image.
• PET shows how cells are functioning by tracking a small amount of radioactive material (isotope) introduced into the body.

Together, they allow providers to detect disease early, monitor treatment response, and guide clinical decision-making with exceptional precision.

In PET/CT imaging, radiopharmaceuticals—also known as isotopes or tracers—are injected into the patient. These tracers are specially designed to target specific tissues or disease processes. As the isotope travels through the body, it emits positrons that are detected by the PET scanner, creating images that reflect metabolic or molecular activity.

CIS offers access to designer isotopes not commonly available at hospital-based imaging centers due to the cost and supply logistics. These include tracers tailored to prostate, neurological, and endocrine imaging, helping providers:

• Diagnose disease earlier
• Monitor treatment effectiveness
• Personalize patient care

Pylarify — Prostate Cancer Imaging

Pylarify is the most commonly used isotope in PET/CT for detecting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is highly expressed in prostate cancer cells.

Why it matters:

• Allows for precise localization of prostate cancer, especially in cases of suspected recurrence
• Enhances staging accuracy and guides therapy decisions
• Often used to evaluate the success of targeted therapies

Pylarify PET/CT has become a critical tool in managing prostate cancer, particularly when patients are being treated with high-cost, precision oncology drugs.

Detectnet — Neuroendocrine Tumor Imaging

Detectnet is a Ga-68 DOTATOC tracer used in the evaluation of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), which are often difficult to detect with conventional imaging.

Benefits:

• Targets somatostatin receptors commonly expressed in NETs
• Helps identify tumor spread (metastasis) that may not be visible on CT or MRI
• Valuable for monitoring treatment response in patients on peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) or other specialized therapies

Neuraceq & Amyvid — Alzheimer’s and Dementia Assessment

Both Neuraceq and Amyvid are FDA-approved tracers used in brain PET scans to measure beta-amyloid plaque, a key biomarker in Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Clinical applications:

• Aids in the differential diagnosis of cognitive decline
• Supports earlier and more confident identification of Alzheimer’s disease
• Helps evaluate patient eligibility for anti-amyloid therapies, which are often high-cost and require biomarker confirmation
  

Illuccix — Endocrine and Prostate Imaging

Illuccix, another PSMA-targeting tracer, can be used in both prostate cancer and endocrine-related imaging, depending on the tumor profile and clinical need.

Unique advantages:

• Offers flexibility in imaging protocols
• Supports treatment planning in advanced or atypical presentations of cancer
• Particularly helpful when multiple tumor types or metastatic sites are involved

Unlike many hospital systems that limit PET/CT offerings to the most basic isotopes, CIS is committed to providing advanced diagnostic tools that support both early detection and precision medicine.

• Access to high-value isotopes
• Convenient outpatient locations
• Collaborative reporting for referring providers
• Insurance coordination for specialized scans
  

Whether you're a referring physician or a patient seeking more insight into your diagnosis or treatment progress, Capitol Imaging Services delivers next-generation imaging with personal, local care.