Liver Cancer
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2002. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Dec 15, 2002; 8(6): 1035-1039
Published online Dec 15, 2002. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v8.i6.1035
An implantable rat liver tumor model for experimental transarterial chemoembolization therapy and its imaging features
Xin Li, Chuan-Sheng Zheng, Gan-Sheng Feng, Chen-Kai Zhuo, Jun-Gong Zhao, Xi Liu
Xin Li, Chuan-Sheng Zheng, Gan-Sheng Feng, Chen-Kai Zhuo, Jun-Gong Zhao, Xi Liu, Department of Interventional Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.39770839
Correspondence to: Dr. Xin Li, Department of Interventional Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China. wxyao2001@yahoo.com.cn
Telephone: +86-27-85726432
Received: July 4, 2002
Revised: July 20, 2002
Accepted: July 25, 2002
Published online: December 15, 2002
Abstract

AIM: To establish an ideal implantable rat liver tumor model for interventional therapy study and examine its angiographic signs and MRI, CT features before and after embolization.

METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were implanted with Walker-256 tumor in the left lateral lobe of liver. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and transarterial chemoembolization were performed on day 14 after implantation. Native computer tomography (CT, n = 8) and native magnetic resonance (MR, n = 40) were performed between the day 8 and day 21 after implantation. The radiological morphological characteristics were correlated with histological findings.

RESULTS: Successful implantation was achieved in all forty rats, which was confirmed by CT and MRI. MR allowed tumor visualization from day 8 while CT from day 11 after implantation. The tumors were hypodensity on CT, hypointense on MR T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted. The model closely resembled human hepatocarcinoma in growth pattern and the lesions were rich in vasculature on angiography and got its filling mainly from the hepatic artery. Before therapy, tumor size was 211.9 ± 48.7 mm3. No ascites, satellite liver nodules or lung metastasis were found. One week after therapy, tumor size was 963.6 ± 214.8 mm3 in the control group and 356.5 ± 78.4 mm3 in TACE group. Ascites (4/40), satellite liver nodules (7/40) or lung metastasis (3/40) could be seen on day 21.

CONCLUSION: Walker-256 tumor rat model is suitable for the interventional experiment. CT and MRI are helpful in animal optioning and evaluating experimental results.

Keywords: $[Keywords]