Studies of the Localization of Radioactive Gallium (Ga72) in Bone Lesions

Abstract

1. A method has been developed for the study and localization of bone lesions through the administration of radioactive gallium (Ga⁷²) by external scintillation counting (scanning). 2. Laboratory studies indicate that the Ga⁷² has a predilection to localize in bone, with the concentration gradient between muscle and normal bone approaching 1 to 50, while the ratio between normal bone and proliferating bone is 1 to 4. 3. A study of sixty-six patients with malignant lesions by means of Ga⁷² scanning techniques indicates that this method is useful in study of specific cases but that it is of limited value in the routine diagnosis of bony metastases. 4. A study of forty-nine cases of non-malignant bone lesions indicates that in the healing phase of osteomyelitis and during callus formation and resolution in fractures, significant selective localization of Ga⁷² occurs at the site of the lesion. 5. Study of twenty-nine fractures indicates that Ga⁷² scanning through a cast may be useful in the study of the healing process.