# THE EFFECT OF GALLIUM ON BONE

> **NIH NIH R01** · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · 1987 · $166,216

## Abstract

Gallium nitrate has proven to be extremely potent agent for treating
cancer-related hypercalcemia.  The mechanism of action of gallium's effect
in blocking accelerated bone resorption is unknown.  In order to determine
whether gallium exerts its effect by acting on bone mineral and/or by
acting on bone cells, we will study the in vivo and in vitro effects of
gallium salts on hydroxyapatite and bone cells.  Gallium salts in doses
comparable to those clinically in use will be administered to rats and
changes in their bones relative to age-matched controls studied by
radiographic, histologic, and chemical analyses.  The crystalline
properties of the bone mineral in these animals will be examined by x-ray
diffraction, density fractionation, and elemental analyses.  In vitro, the
effect of gallium salts on formation and growth of hydroxyapatite will be
followed.  Gallium's effect on bone cells will be studied in model
bone-cell systems, primary bone-cell cultures, and in the explanted fetal
rat bone culture system.  Primary cell cultures of avlan osteoclasts and
permanent macrophage cell cultures will be studied as models of
bone-resorbing cells.  Rat osteogenic sarcoma (ROS 17/2) cells will be used
as models of osteoblasts.  The effect of gallium on cell viability and
specific bone cell function will be examined.  Through such studies, the
mechanism of action of gallium ion will be defined and the most active
salts of gallium identified.  (W)

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3176781
- **Project number:** 5R01CA038645-03
- **Recipient organization:** SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KUKXRCZ6NZC2
- **Principal Investigator:** RICHARD S BOCKMAN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $166,216
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-07-01 → 1988-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3176781

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3176781, THE EFFECT OF GALLIUM ON BONE (5R01CA038645-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3176781. Licensed CC0.

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