Ultraviolet fluorescence of bladder tumors following oral administration of tetracycline compounds. A macroscopic, microscopic and fluorescence spectrophotometric study

• Published in: Cancer 1966-07, Vol.19 (7), p.1013-1018
• Main Authors: Barlow, Keith A., Maurice, Brian A., Atkins, Paul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Methacycline; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Spectrophotometry; Staining and Labeling; Tetracycline; Ultraviolet Rays; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0008-543X; 1097-0142
• DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(196607)19:7<1013::AID-CNCR2820190716>3.0.CO;2-F

Ultraviolet fluorescence was studied in specimens of bladder tumor tissue removed from 29 patients who had received tetracycline or methacycline, and from 8 patients who had received no tetracycline compound. Fluorescence was observed by macroscopic and microscopic examination and by spectrophotometry of tumor extracts. Tetracycline compounds imparted a bright yellow fluorescence to calcium salts encrusted upon the tumor but in only 3 cases was any similar degree of fluorescence observed in tumor tissue itself. Spectrophotometry has shown that the auto‐fluorescence of bladder tumor tissue occurs at a similar wavelength to tetracycline fluorescence. Lesser degrees of yellow‐green fluorescence of bladder tumors cannot be regarded as specific to tetracycline, therefore. Visual qualitative assessment of ultraviolet fluorescence in bladder tumors after tetracycline administration does not appear to provide a satisfactory basis on which to establish a reliable diagnostic method.