<qa>  What is the primary objective of the study?Gallium maltolate is an orally bioavailable form of gallium. This is a safety, pharmacokinetic and preliminary efficacy study. The primary objective of the study is to assess the safety profile in patients after oral administration of different doses of gallium maltolate for up to six 42-day cycles 28 days of gallium maltolate, followed by 14 days off treatment. In addition, serum concentrations of gallium and associated pharmacokinetic variables will be measured. From this information, an optimal dose will be selected for assessment of anti-tumor efficacy. The study assesses the effects of oral administration of gallium maltolate on pain resulting from bony metastasis, on biochemical measures of bone turnover, and on disease progression and overall survival in patients with various refractory malignancies. Patients may receive up to 6 cycles of the investigational agent. 