A MODEL OF FOCAL CANCER IN RABBIT LYMPH-NODES

Rationale and Objectives. We sought to develop a model of focal cancer in the rabbit lymph node. Methods. Under computed tomography (CT) gui dance, 4-5 million VX2 cells were directly injected into the popliteal nodes of 14 anesthetized New Zealand White rabbits. Fifteen to 18 day s later, percutaneous lymphography was performed with CT scanning usin g radiopaque nanoparticulates and massage, Histologic correlation also was obtained. Results. In 12 of the 14 animals, focal lesions were su ccessfully created within (n = 6) and adjacent (n = 6) to the node, an d all animals appeared to be healthy when euthanized. Within 15 min af ter massage, CT lymphography showed homo normal node regions and no en hancement of cancer. There was good agreement between histology and ly mphography. Conclusion. This method is suitable as a model to test for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.