On the mechanisms of 67Ga and 59Fe uptake by tumors.

The uptake of 67Ga-citrate and 59Fe-citrate in the presence or absence of gallium and iron carriers, was studied on DS-sarcoma-bearing rats. Differences of uptake pattern were observed with both radionuclides. The tumor uptake of 67Ga is greatly affected by both carriers while 59Fe uptake is independent of the presence of carriers. The role of isotopic dilution, ionic competition, and the probable presence of high and low affinity binding sites in this phenomenon are discussed.