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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Generation and modulation of hepatocellular carcinoma circulating cells: a new experimental model
Olivier Scatton1, Franck Chiappini, Xu-Hui Liu
1Service de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France.
Background:
To establish a new experimental model of human hepatocellular carcinoma by orthotopic implantation of tumoral cells with its subsequent removal, to generate and modulate circulating tumoral cells.
Materials And Methods:
Three human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2, PLC/PRF, and Mahlavu) were orthotopically implanted under the Glisson's capsule of the left lateral lobe of the liver in a total of 56 non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Tumor removal was performed 30 d after injection, and a laparotomy without tumor removal was done in control mice. Generation of circulating cells was monitored by flow cytometry using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated anti-HLA antibody.
Results:
In 26 mice implanted with Mahlavu cells, 20 developed a unique tumor allowing a resection (77%), which was technically feasible in 80% of cases. The overall perioperative mortality was 30% (3/10) after resection; no mortality was observed in the control group. The circulating tumoral cells decreased dramatically after resection of the tumor as compared with control mice.
Conclusion:
This new model is feasible and may be an interesting useful tool to study the hepatocellular carcinoma metastatic process and is consistent with the human clinical practice.
