Dual-energy CT-scan quantification of recalcification in osteolyses of the vertebral body due to mammary carcinomas in the course of antineoplastic treatment.

Recalcification of osteolyses can be determined by the use of dual-energy CT-scanning. Quantitative CT-scans have been performed in a group of 11 female patients with osteolytic metastatic spread of mammary carcinomas under systemic antineoplastic treatment. During their treatment with either chemotherapy or hormones these patients have been investigated every two weeks in a total observation period of three months. Additional to every CT-scan (n = 77) a conventional radiograph was taken. In the course of treatment it was possible to give reliable statements with regard to the response to therapy up to 8 weeks earlier by the use of quantitative CT-scans compared to conventional radiographs.