Indications for Gallium 67 in surgical oncology

Until recently, the diagnosis of primary neoplasms and metastasis required different and complicated tests, many of which were invasive. Several radiopharmaceuticals have been tried in the diagnosis and management of neoplasms, but so far, the only radiopharmaceutical which gives satisfactory results is Gallium 67. Scintigraphy with this compound allows localization of the primary neoplasm and metastasis. It is also useful in the staging and follow-up and, in particular, in ascertaining the efficacy of treatment. Gallium scintigraphy is a very sensitive procedure, but not very specific; active inflammatory processes can produce an abnormal localization of the Gallium 67 in the infected area.