Growth characteristics and imaging properties of the Morris hepatoma 3924Ain ACI rats: A suitable model for transarterial chemoembolization

Purpose: For experimental studies investigating modalities and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) an animal model resembling the human situation as closely as possible would b e appropriate, Specifically, reproducible turner growth characteristics wit h the capability for appropriate in vivo imagine to monitor treatment effic acy are required. Methods: Morris hepatoma 3924A was implanted into the liver of 30 ACI rats. Tumor growth was followed by angiography (n = 10), ultrasound (US, II = 30 ), native computed tomography (CT, n = 16), and native magnetic resonance i maging (MRI, n = 30) between day 8 and day 36 after implantation. The radio logical morphological characteristics were compared with the macroscopic an d microscopic histological findings of the explanted tumors. Results: In all 30 animals a solitary liver tumor was found and macroscopic ally no signs of metastases, ascites, or peritoneal tumor were visible. On histopathological examination tumor sizes ranged between 27 +/- 3 mm(3) (da y 8) and 3468 +/- 79 mm(3) (day 36). The first signs of tumor necrosis occu rred at day 16, US allowed tumor visualization from day 8, MRI from day 8, angiography from day 10, and CT from day 14. Conclusions: The tumor model has the potential to be used for the visualiza tion of tumor growth by MRI and US. The potential for monitoring therapeuti c effects of TACE needs to be investigated.