Lung cancer detection using a miniature sodium iodide detector and cobalt-57 bleomycin.

A small sodium iodide scintillation detector was designed for insertion through a fiberoptic bronchoscope to detect and localize sites of deposition of cobalt-57 bleomycin in lung cancer. The detector was used in 40 diagnostic studies of 34 patients; 21 of the patients had tumors. We compared the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and predictive value of the detector to those of plain chest x-ray films and bronchoscopy in detecting tumors. Sensitivity and specificity for the detector were 68 percent and 80 percent, respectively; for bronchoscopy, 72 percent and 100 percent; and for roentgenograms, 80 percent and 53 percent. Sensitivity for the detector and bronchoscopy combined was 92 percent. The detector succeeded in locating nonvisible submucosal and extraluminal tumors, and may contribute to early diagnosis and more accurate staging of lung cancer.