Arthur J. Madsen

Increased Sensitivity of in vivo Radioautographic Films

Several years ago an in vivo radioautographic technic for the diagnosis of gastric cancer was developed, using a radiosensitive balloon (1, 2). Patients were given 500 μc of radioactive phosphorus 32 (P32) before the test, and its increased concentration in the gastric cancer was detected by the radiosensitive balloon (Kodak Autoradiographic Elastic Film, Type 1). In some cases of gastric cancer where the overall tissue levels of P32 were relatively low, errors in diagnosis were made, in spite of the fact that the cancer/normal P32 ratios were 2 or higher. In vitro radioautographs of the resected specimens delineated the cancers, but demonstrated relatively low P32 levels in both the normal and the neoplastic areas. It is felt that a more sensitive in vivo radioautographic system could detect these cancers. To increase sensitivity, one can increase the P32 dose, the exposure time in the patient, or the radiosensitivity of the radioautographic balloon. As the phosphorus dose is already relatively high, and...

Further Experiences with Gastric Freezing.

Excerpt Clinical gastric freezing for manifestations of peptic ulcer has been under scrutiny in the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota over a period of 2 years. Attending a single...