Topographic studies with 32P tumor marker during operations of brain tumors.

A method for the intraoperative detection of brain tumor propagation is described. Based on the well-known radiophosphorus test, a very sensitive semiconductor probe was tested in 16 brain tumor operations. With this miniaturized sensor, the beta-emission of 32P could be measured with a high topographical resolution. Especially in high-grade gliomas, in meningiomas and in metastases a good discrimination of normal and tumor-infiltrated tissue was possible. The perspectives of a technical improvement of this method and the application of more specific tumor markers are discussed.