germanium and Bone-Neoplasms

The currently published (223)Ra gamma-ray emission probabilities display a wide variation in the values depending on the source of the data. The National Institute of Standards and Technology performed activity measurements on a (223)Ra solution that was used to prepare several sources that were used to determine the photon emission probabilities for the main gamma-rays of (223)Ra in equilibrium with its progeny. Several high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors were used to perform the gamma-ray spectrometry measurements.

Topics: Bone Neoplasms; Gamma Rays; Germanium; Half-Life; Humans; Male; Photons; Probability; Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant; Radium; Spectrometry, Gamma

Measures to alleviate pain are the most important issue in care of the cancer patient. In the present study, we investigated whether the use of narcotics could be reduced in the use of Ge-132 (Repargermanium) when used alone or together with a narcotic as a means to facilitate pain management in home care. The patients have died at home over the past 2 years with various types of cancer under our hospital supervision. Five were cases of bone metastasis, 6 of ascites. All cases had been given Ge-132, 750 approximately 2,500 mg/day (mean 1,000 mg) either orally or by IV. For pain control the first choice was MS Contin, and when the need arose the route used was intravenous or by suppository. We investigated the rate of narcotic usage and the dosage of same. Narcotics were used in 7 of the 16 patients (44%) who died at home, and the daily dose was 20 approximately 240 mg (mean 60 mg). By using Ge-132 as a pain killer the rate of narcotics use and the dosage were decreased, resulting in less side effects from the narcotics. Thus, Ge-132 proved effective in relieving the pain of the terminal cancer patient receiving home care, and since it has no side effects it assures smooth home treatment.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Analgesics, Opioid; Bone Neoplasms; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Germanium; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Organometallic Compounds; Pain, Intractable; Palliative Care; Propionates

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents; Bone Neoplasms; Breast Neoplasms; Drug Evaluation; Female; Germanium; Humans; Middle Aged; Organometallic Compounds; Spiro Compounds

The effect of chemotherapy on bony metastases from adenocarcinoma of the colon was investigated by quantitative skeletal imaging over a two-month interval. The quantitative skeletal imaging results correlated with conventional blood chemistry results over this time period. While chemical assay techniques furnish an average value of lesion response, the quantitative bone scan represents a method for individual lesion analysis. This methodology has the potential to provide a better understanding of metastatic bone disease therapy.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Bone and Bones; Bone Neoplasms; Colonic Neoplasms; Diphosphonates; Fluorouracil; Germanium; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Organometallic Compounds; Radionuclide Imaging; Spiro Compounds; Technetium; Technetium Compounds; Time Factors