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Updated: Feb 22, 2026
Development and Angiographic Use of the Rabbit VX2 Model for Liver Cancer
Published on: January 7, 2019
Spiral computed tomography evaluation of rabbit VX2 hepatic tumors treated with 20 kHz ultrasound and microbubbles
Zhi-Yong Shen1, Chun Liu2, Ming-Feng Wu1
1Department of Radiology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu 226361, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to explore the therapeutic effect of 20 kHz ultrasound (US) and microbubbles (MBs) on rabbit VX2 liver tumors by spiral computed tomography (CT) scanning. A total of 16 New Zealand rabbits with hepatic VX2 tumors were divided into four groups: Control, MB, low-frequency US and US + MB. The treatment effect was evaluated by spiral CT scanning prior to, during and following treatment (at 0 weeks and the end of 1 and 2 weeks). The tumor growth rate was recorded. The specimens of VX2 tumors were collected for histological examination and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). No significant differences were observed between tumor areas measured by CT and pathology after 2-week treatment (P>0.05). The mean tumor growth rates in the control, MB, US and US + MB groups after 2 weeks of treatment were 385±21, 353±12, 302±14 and 154±9%, respectively (P<0.05, US + MB vs. the other three groups). Hematoxylin and eosin staining in the US + MB group revealed coagulation necrosis, interstitial hemorrhage and intravascular thrombosis. In the control, MB and US groups, tumor cells exhibited clear nuclear hyperchromatism. TEM of US + MB revealed vascular endothelial cell wall rupture, widened endothelial cell gaps, interstitial erythrocyte leakage and microvascular thrombosis, while intact vascular endothelial cells and normal erythrocytes in the tumor vessels were observed in the control, MB and US groups. A combination of 20 kHz US and MBs may effectively inhibit rabbit VX2 tumors. Spiral CT scanning is an ideal method to evaluate the US treatment on rabbit tumors.
Insights
The combination of ultrasound (US) and microbubbles (MBs) significantly inhibited rabbit liver tumors. Spiral computed tomography (CT) scanning effectively evaluated this therapeutic effect.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- VX2 liver tumors in rabbits are a model for human hepatic malignancies.
- Ultrasound (US) and microbubbles (MBs) offer potential non-invasive therapeutic strategies.
- Assessing treatment efficacy requires reliable imaging and pathological evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effect of 20 kHz ultrasound (US) combined with microbubbles (MBs) on rabbit VX2 liver tumors.
- To evaluate the utility of spiral computed tomography (CT) scanning in monitoring treatment response.
- To correlate imaging findings with histological and ultrastructural changes.
Main Methods:
- 16 rabbits with VX2 liver tumors were divided into four groups: Control, MB, US, and US + MB.
- Tumor growth was monitored using spiral CT scanning over two weeks.
- Histological examination (Hematoxylin and eosin) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed on tumor specimens.
Main Results:
- The US + MB group showed a significantly lower tumor growth rate (154±9%) compared to control, MB, and US groups (P<0.05).
- Histology in the US + MB group revealed coagulation necrosis, hemorrhage, and thrombosis.
- TEM demonstrated vascular endothelial damage and microvascular thrombosis in the US + MB group, unlike other groups.
Conclusions:
- A combination of 20 kHz ultrasound and microbubbles effectively inhibits VX2 liver tumor growth in rabbits.
- Spiral CT scanning is a suitable method for evaluating ultrasound-based tumor treatments.
- The therapeutic mechanism involves inducing vascular damage and thrombosis within the tumor.
