IN-VITRO STUDIES USING THE ALPHA-EMITTER BI-212 - DEVELOPMENT OF THERAPY FOR MICROSCOPIC CARCINOMA

We have been investigating the use of the alpha-emitting radionuclide Bi-212 against microscopic carcinoma. Our in vitro studies show that B i-212 is 2 to 4 times more effective in eradicating microscopic cells grown in monolayer or multicellular spheroid. Autoradiographs show tha t Bi-212 diffuses within the spheroids by 2 hours after exposure. Ther e was no difference in cell kill if cells were grown in monolayer or 1 00 mu m and 800 mu m spheroids. From our study, Bi-212 appears to be a suitable candidate to investigate for clinical use against microscopi c carcinoma.