Blood-Clotting Studies on Dogs Internally Irradiated with Radio-Gold. ∗

Abstract

Summary

Internal irradiation with radio-gold (Au¹⁹⁸), in sufficient dosage, and after several days'latency, induces a blood coagulation defect of which the prothrombin consumption test is a sensitive index. By using this test through the course of the irradiation, the 2-stage values seem to reflect, with some accuracy, the severity and probable outcome of the radiation injury. Similar data are becoming available in several animal species (including man) and with various types of irradiation. We have begun to collect data on human cancer patients under isotope radiation therapy in order to learn more about this interesting phenomenon.