An Evaluation of the Tetracycline-fluorescence Test in the Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer

Abstract

The present study was done to evaluate further this potentially useful, simple method of diagnosis and to compare it with gastric cytology simultaneously performed. One hundred and forty-six patients were studied of whom 25 had gastric malignancy. Declomycin was administered 4 times daily for 5 days, discontinued on the sixth, and gastric lavage performed on the seventh day. The procedure followed that by Berk and Kantor (J.A.M.A. March 1962). Specimens were prepared both for cytologic examination and for study of fluorescence on filter paper. The fluorescence test was found to be neither entirely simple nor reliable. Errors of interpretation in whether fluorescent material is present are possible.