The role of gallium scanning in the detection of post-operatively recurrent lung cancer

We have performed an investigation to determine the utility of gallium scanning in the detection of recurrent lung cancer following surgical resection. The records of 99 consecutive patients who were treated surgically for lung cancer at the University of Chicago Medical Center and who were followed with serial post-operative whole body gallium scans were reviewed. Scans were performed pre-operatively, at approximately 3 months after surgery, and subsequently at 6 or 12 monthly intervals. The period of follow up varied from 7 months to 7 years. Forty-eight of these 99 patients experienced tumor recurrence during the period of follow up. In 38 (79.2%) of these, the recurrence was first suspected on the basis of clinical findings or chest radiography. In 10 (20.8%) asymptomatic patients however, tumor recurrence was first detected on a routinely performed gallium scan. In 25 (52.1%) other cases, the gallium scan played an important role in confirming a suspected recurrence. Therefore, post-operative gallium scans can contribute to early detection of recurrent lung carcinoma and aid in confirmation of suspected recurrences. However, in view of the limited effectiveness of therapy in this situation, the role of routine ''follow up'' scans in asymptomatic patients is debatable