THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF INTRAVENOUS 67-GALLIUM IN NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA

67-gallium accumulates rather selectively in malignant lymphoid tissue . The isotope has a substantial cytotoxic effect in human-derived cell -lines. 67-gallium was given intravenously to 3 patients with end-stag e, resistant large-cell lymphoma. Evaluation of tumour response was do ne by physical measurements, and CT-scanning together with gallium sci ntigraphy. Three weekly doses of 20, 40 and 60 mCi respectively caused persistent pancytopenia in 1 patient. Panycytopenia was not observed in 2 other patients given two 40 mCi doses 4 weeks apart. In all 3 pat ients, some response was noted, be it shortlived and different from si te to site. 67-gallium has some cytostatic effect in large cell lympho ma. It seems feasible to start a phase I study to find a tolerable dos e to be given every 4 weeks.