The role of gallium-67 studies in the management of malignant melanoma

Med J Aust. 1984 Mar 31;140(7):401-3. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1984.tb108098.x.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the role of gallium-67 studies in the management of malignant melanoma. Gallium-67 studies were performed in 41 patients prospectively to determine the presence of regional lymph-node spread or distant metastatic disease. A high correlation was found in the assessment of lymph-node status between the results of the gallium-67 study and those of the histological examination. Distant metastases were demonstrated in brain, lung, bone, and liver. In three patients, lymphoscintigraphy was performed before the gallium-67 study in order to assess regional drainage; this may prove to be a very useful combination in determining treatment strategy, especially in patients with truncal melanoma.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary
  • Duodenal Neoplasms / secondary
  • Gallium Radioisotopes*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging*
  • Melanoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radionuclide Imaging

Substances

  • Gallium Radioisotopes