Gene expression and MR diffusion-weighted imaging after chemoembolization in rabbit liver VX-2 tumor model

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• VX-2 liver tumors in rabbits are a model for human hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Chemoembolization is a standard treatment for liver tumors.
• Understanding dynamic changes in tumor markers and imaging is crucial for treatment assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate dynamic changes in PCNA, Bax, nm23, and E-cadherin expression post-chemoembolization.
• To correlate these marker expressions with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values from MR diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).
• To assess the utility of DWI in reflecting tumor characteristics after treatment.

Main Methods:

• Forty New Zealand rabbit VX-2 liver tumor models were used.
• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was performed periodically after chemoembolization.
• Histopathology and SABC immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate protein expression.

Main Results:

• PCNA expression was higher in VX-2 tumors than normal tissue; nm23, Bax, and E-cadherin were lower.
• PCNA and nm23 expression peaked in the tumor periphery post-treatment.
• A linear correlation was found between PCNA expression and ADC in the tumor periphery.

Conclusions:

• Chemoembolization temporarily increases VX-2 tumor cell proliferation while reducing infiltration and metastasis potential.
• ADC values obtained via DWI can indirectly indicate tumor cell proliferation dynamics after chemoembolization.