PERCUTANEOUS IMPLANTATION OF NON-SMALL-CELL LUNG-CARCINOMA - TECHNIQUE AND OBSERVATIONS

Rationale and objectives. The authors performed this study to determin e whether intrathoracic inoculation of non-small-cell lung carcinoma w ith fluoroscopic guidance would provide for more accurate implantation . Materials and Methods. A tumor cell inoculum (2 x 10(6) cells per 0. 15 mL) was injected percutaneously under fluoroscopic guidance at the posterior midaxillary line in 22 athymic nude mice. The mice underwent imaging with a ,mammographic unit at 3, 5, and 8 weeks after implanta tion. The mice were sacrificed at 8 weeks, and autopsy was performed t o determine tumor yield. Results. The use of a percutaneous technique under fluoroscopic guidance greatly facilitated the accurate implantat ion of xenografts. Tumor growth was seen at radiography in 18 of the 2 2 (82%) mice at 8 weeks. Necropsy revealed a 100% tumor yield, Histolo gic examination confirmed adenocarcinoma of the lung, The average numb er of tumors found in the lung parenchyma was 1.05 +/- 0.35; the avera ge number of tumors found in the mediastinum was 0.59 +/- 0.67, The av erage tumor weight was 389 mg +/- 64.3, The average tumor size was 300 mm(3) +/- 66.23. Conclusion. With fluoroscopic guidance, percutaneous implantation of tumor cells in athymic nude mice is simple and effect ive.