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Published on: September 12, 2019
Irreversible electroporation in the eradication of rabbit VX2 cervical tumors
Wei Chai1,2, Ying Xu1, Wenlong Zhang3
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130041, China.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of irreversible electroporation (IRE) on the eradication of rabbit VX2 cervical tumors. A VX2 cervical cancer model was first made in 20 New Zealand rabbits. IRE ablation was performed for the cervical cancers of 15 rabbits when the diameter of the tumor was about 1.0-1.5 cm. The control group (n = 5) did not receive IRE ablation. The gross pathology, ultrasound, computed tomography, hematoxylin and eosin, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemical staining were performed to evaluate the efficacy of IRE on cervical cancer. All the rabbits tolerated the IRE ablation without serious complications. The tumors treated by IRE slightly increased in size during the first two days, but decreased gradually. IRE caused tumor cell death efficiently, mainly through cell apoptosis; however, it did not induce complete tumor ablation in our study. The results suggested that IRE could eradicate rabbit VX2 cervical tumors efficiently. However, the optimal IRE parameters remain to be determined.
Insights
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) effectively reduced rabbit cervical tumors, primarily through apoptosis. While not achieving complete ablation, IRE shows promise for tumor eradication, though optimal parameters require further study.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Physics
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Cervical cancer presents a significant global health challenge.
- Minimally invasive ablation techniques are crucial for cancer treatment.
- Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an emerging ablation modality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of irreversible electroporation (IRE) in eradicating VX2 cervical tumors in a rabbit model.
- To evaluate the pathological and cellular changes induced by IRE in cervical tumors.
Main Methods:
- A VX2 cervical cancer model was established in 20 New Zealand rabbits.
- IRE ablation was performed on 15 rabbits with tumors measuring 1.0-1.5 cm; 5 rabbits served as controls.
- Tumor response was evaluated using gross pathology, ultrasound, CT, H&E staining, TUNL assay, and PCNA staining.
Main Results:
- All rabbits tolerated IRE without severe complications.
- Treated tumors initially increased slightly in size before gradually decreasing.
- IRE induced efficient tumor cell death, predominantly via apoptosis, but did not achieve complete ablation.
Conclusions:
- Irreversible electroporation (IRE) demonstrates efficient eradication of rabbit VX2 cervical tumors.
- Apoptosis is the primary mechanism of tumor cell death following IRE.
- Further research is needed to determine the optimal IRE parameters for complete tumor ablation.
