Radioactive sulphate is selectively retained in chondrosarcomata, chondromata, and normal cartilage as well as in repairing connective tissue and bone. The observations after intravenous injection of tracer doses are described in five cases of chondrosarcoma and in one of anaplastic sarcoma.
The patterns of localization of S35 in chondrosarcomata, chondromata, granulation tissue, and bone are demonstrated by autoradiographs.
Counts obtained on the surface of excised tissues gave a crude index of their isotope content. Accurate determination requires chemical analysis.
After the destruction of growing epiphyseal cartilage by large amounts of S35 was observed in experimental animals, radioactive sulphate was administered at therapeutic levels to three patients having advanced chondrosarcomata. The progress of the neoplasms seemed markedly reduced or arrested for several months in two of these patients.
The calculated doses of radiation internally delivered by the isotope to the chondrosarcomata were much higher than those delivered to other tissues.