BAMF Health conducts Michigan’s first clinical PET/MRI scan
Offering a world-leading scanning resource to patients in need
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — BAMF Health, a world-leading molecular imaging and Theranostics platform, is proud to announce a historical milestone in the field of medical diagnostics in Michigan. BAMF Health has successfully performed the first clinical scan using a PET/MRI (Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging system) in the state of Michigan. Until today, patients needing PET/MRI scans needed to travel to Chicago or further.
The groundbreaking uPMR® 790 3T PET/MRI system, which is owned by Michigan State University and leased to BAMF Health, is located at BAMF Health’s Molecular Imaging Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This cutting-edge imaging capability is further establishing the center not only as the world’s most advanced molecular imaging center, but also as a pioneer in advanced medical imaging technology.
Dr. Jeremiah Johns, MD, FACEP, Vice President of Medical Affairs at BAMF Health, expressed excitement about this achievement, stating, “At BAMF Health, we are bringing this incredible new technology to Michigan patients. PET/MRI enables improved treatment plans and better patient outcomes. Michigan physicians now have this powerful tool available locally, eliminating the need for patients to travel out of state when these tests are needed.”
“PET/MRI is a hybrid imaging technique that produces images of exceptional quality, high contrast, and resolution while significantly reducing radiation exposure,” said Dr. Harshad Kulkarni, MD, Chief Medical Advisor at BAMF Health. “Complementing our fast and sensitive Total-Body PET/CT scanner, PET/MRI is particularly beneficial for tumor imaging in regions such as the brain, head and neck, liver, pelvis, as well as a wide range of other indications in neurology and cardiology.”
Clinicians at BAMF Health have been conducting extensive testing and validation of the PET/MRI system over the last several months. On May 30, the first PET/MRI for clinical use was successfully performed, marking a significant milestone in medical imaging advancements in the history of Michigan.
“Combining the technology of PET with MRI is essential to help localize disease in soft tissue and lead to a more accurate and precision-based diagnosis” said Andrea Samuels, RT, (R)(MR), BHA, MRSO, PET/MRI Technologist at BAMF Health. Samuels is leading the charge to make PET/MRI a reality for patients in Michigan. “BAMF Health may be the only site in the world where the patient can efficiently receive both PET/CT and PET/MRI studies in a single visit and with a single injection of the radiopharmaceutical. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be at the forefront to help give patients a brighter future.”
Mark DeLano, MD, FACR, Chair of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Department of Radiology, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The introduction of PET/MRI represents a momentous achievement in medical imaging in the state of Michigan. This collaboration with BAMF Health underscores our commitment to advancing patient care and providing physicians with the latest diagnostic tools to enhance their practice. This will significantly enhance MSU’s research capability in molecular imaging for a wide variety of diseases.”
“This incredible achievement for patients could only be possible in a community like West Michigan,” said Dr. Anthony Chang, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of BAMF Health. “Through the visionary leadership of Dr. Norman Beauchamp, MD, MHS, Michigan State University Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, the legislative efforts of Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, and the generosity of Doug Meijer and the Meijer Foundation, this vision is now a reality for patients in Michigan.”
BAMF Health and MSU have a long history of partnership for advancing medicine. In collaboration with MSU, BAMF Health created the world’s most advanced radiopharmacy. BAMF Health clinicians perform the scan and MSU radiology reads the images. Not only will patients have access to routine clinical PET/MRI scans, but also will have access to cutting edge clinical trials and advanced research.
Physicians around Michigan can now incorporate PET/MRI scans as a diagnostic option to benefit patients with this groundbreaking technology. BAMF Health also encourages patients with cancer, neurological (Ex: Alzheimer’s Disease), and cardiological diseases to consult with their physicians about incorporating this new technology into their care plan. Patients and physicians seeking more information about PET/MRI scans can visit www.bamfhealth.com for further details.
About BAMF Health
BAMF Health leads the field in using molecular imaging and non-invasive molecular targeted radiotherapy to diagnose and effectively treat cancer. Currently, BAMF is treating stage 4 prostate and neuroendocrine cancer patients. Additionally, BAMF’s technology can provide advanced screening, staging and monitoring for cancers including prostate, breast, lung, colon/rectum, lymphoma, melanoma, multiple myeloma, brain and ovarian cancers. Ultimately, BAMF will apply its advanced technology and precision medicine platform to a wide range of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, endometriosis, chronic pain and other diseases and conditions.
If you or someone you love has cancer, BAMF Health can help. Visit www.bamfhealth.com/patients to learn more.
