Dynamic 133 Xe lung scans for monitoring treatment response in bronchial carcinoma

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A technique for dynamic lung imaging using 133Xe is described, which combines quantitative measurement of the regional distributions of perfusion and ventilation in a single, short procedure. The radiation dose to the lungs is low and the procedure is well tolerated by patients. The technique for ventilation scanning with 133Xe gas is compared with that using 81Krm, and the relative merits of the two scanning agents are discussed. This study examines the use of dynamic lung scans with 133Xe for the objective assessment and monitoring of tumour response after treatment in cases of inoperable bronchial carcinoma. Patients with inoperable lung tumours have been examined using this technique. Of 27 patients, 15 have returned for a repeat scan after the completion of a course of therapy, but only six, who have undergone three or more scans, are considered in detail in this paper. It is concluded that the technique described provides a cheap and reliable method for the assessment of tumour response to therapy in cases of inoperable bronchial carcinoma, and provides a useful complement to chest radiography and fibreoptic bronchoscopy in the management and follow-up of such patients.