The role of gallium-67 studies in the management of malignant melanoma.

This study was undertaken to assess the role of gallium-67 studies in the management of malignant melanoma. Gallium-67 studies were performed in 41 patients prospectively to determine the presence of regional lymph-node spread or distant metastatic disease. A high correlation was found in the assessment of lymph-node status between the results of the gallium-67 study and those of the histological examination. Distant metastases were demonstrated in brain, lung, bone, and liver. In three patients, lymphoscintigraphy was performed before the gallium-67 study in order to assess regional drainage; this may prove to be a very useful combination in determining treatment strategy, especially in patients with truncal melanoma.