[Comparative study on subcutaneous, intraperitoneal and intrahepatic transplantations in nude rat bearing...

Biological characteristics of the tumor may be different in various growth sites. Comparison of subcutaneous, intraperitoneal and intrahepatic transplantations in nude rat bearing hepatocellular carcinoma was carried out. The previous characteristics of histologic morphology, cell type and synthesis of AFP were still preserved in those three transplantations. The successful transplantation rate was high, latent stage short and speed of the tumor growth fast in the subcutaneous route. AFP level was the highest in intrahepatic route. Successful transplantation rate was high, latent stage short and speed of the tumor growth fast in the intrahepatic route as compared with intraperitoneal route. Tumor invasion and metastasis were often observed in intraperitoneal and intrahepatic routes. The results indicate that the tumor growth condition provided by body sites is different. Tumor invasion and metastasis are related to the tissue environment besides its potential. Each of the three routes has its advantages and disadvantages which should be selected according to different requirement for cancer research.