Therapeutic intraperitoneal 32P: a clinical assessment of the dynamics of distribution

With an Anger camera for scintigraphic recording of bremsstrahlung radiation from phosphorus-32, the distribution of intraperitoneal colloidal chromic phosphate was followed in patients with gynecologic tumors. Sequential pelvic, abdominal, and thoracic scintiphotos over a three-week period revealed rapid and persistent focal aggregation of the radiocolloid with no change in pelvic or peritoneal radionuclide distribution patterns. Visualization of intrathoracic lymph node uptake did not correlate with the presence of diaphragmatic tumor. This study demonstrates the utility of scintigraphy for monitoring the distribution of intraperitoneal beta emitters and the need for developing alternative methods of administering these therapeutic agents to achieve more uniform patterns of distribution.