EXPERIMENTAL INDUCTION OF OSTEOSARCOMA BY SUBPERIOSTEAL RADIOACTIVE PHOSPHORUS INJECTIONS IN RATS

In search of a predictable experimental model for the study of therape utic modalities for osteosarcoma, a group of rats had injections of ph osphorus-32 (P-32) colloid subperiostally and were followed for the oc currence of malignant bone tumors until death or for 18 months. Of 50 rats, 26 died of unrelated causes and only 24 were included in the stu dy. Two cases of osteosarcomas, one occurring in month 16 and the othe r at month 18 were induced; one case demonstrated multiple lung metast ases. Clear evidence of the sarcoma inducing effect of P-32 has been o btained in this study. However, a high yield experimental osteosarcoma model was not produced.