# EFFECT OF GALLIUM ON BONE

> **NIH NIH R01** · HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY · 1992 · $204,196

## Abstract

Title; Effect of Gallium on Bone

The major objective of this continuation application is to study
the effects of gallium, a group IIIa meal, on bone metabolism.
The studies proposed are a logical extension of our previous work
showing gallium to be a safe and highly effective agent for the
treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy.  Our hypothesis is
that gallium blocks bone resorption and enhances bone formation
by favorably altering the function of bone cells (osteoclasts and
osteoblasts) as well as physicochemically altering mineral
properties.  The purpose of the proposed experiments is to
demonstrate that all these mechanisms contribute to the
beneficial effects of gallium on bone metabolism.  Our approach
towards this objective will be to apply physical and biochemical
methods to a panel of synthetic, cell and organ culture systems as
well as in vivo models in order to study isolated aspects of bone
metabolism in depth.  Specific experiments include the use of a
synchrotron generated energy source to localize at the
microscopic and atomic levels, the trace of gallium that are
present in the bone matrix.  In vitro, cell-mediated mineral
formation and growth will be measured.  Bone collagen synthesis
will be studied using bone rudiments, osteoblast cell cultures and
a rodent model.  Gene-regulation of osteocalcin (bone-Gla
protein) will be examined using specific cDNA probes.  In vivo,
bone mineralization and remodeling will be studied using
mineralized and demineralized bone implants.  The biomechanical
properties of rat bones will be tested to evaluate the strength of
bone produced in the presence of gallium.  These proposed studies
are meant to provide insights into the mechanisms of action of
gallium in bone.  In addition, they provide a basis for the design
and realization of future clinical trials with this therapeutically
useful new agent.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3176785
- **Project number:** 5R01CA038645-08
- **Recipient organization:** HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY
- **Principal Investigator:** RICHARD S BOCKMAN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1992
- **Award amount:** $204,196
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-07-01 → 1994-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3176785

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3176785, EFFECT OF GALLIUM ON BONE (5R01CA038645-08). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3176785. Licensed CC0.

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