Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026
Development and Angiographic Use of the Rabbit VX2 Model for Liver Cancer
Published on: January 7, 2019
Chitosan-Based Hydrogel Microparticles for Treatment of Carcinoma in a Rabbit VX2 Liver Tumor Model
Hyosook Hwang1, Hyeon-Soo Kim1, JeongIl Kwon1
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Molecular Imaging and Therapeutic Medicine Research Center, Cyclotron Research Center, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, 634-18 GeumAm-dong, Duckjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 561-803, Republic of Korea.
Purpose:
To investigate potential of chitosan hydrogel microparticles (CHI) for treatment of VX2 carcinoma.
Materials And Methods:
Two weeks after liver VX2 implantation, contrast-enhanced computerized tomographic scanning was conducted. Rabbits (n = 2) with successful tumor growth were treated with different sizes of 99mTc-labeled CHI (60-80 μm and 100-120 μm) via intra-arterial hepatic catheterization. Liver distribution of 99mTc-labeled CHI was determined by means of autoradiography, a radiation-based photographic technique. In the next part of this study, therapeutic effectiveness was examined with the use of CHI with the size range of 60-80 μm (n = 11). Tumor growth response and levels of blood liver enzymes were studied at baseline and 1 and 2 weeks after CHI treatment.
Results:
Successful tumor growth was confirmed in all rabbits (24/24). Intrahepatic CHI with the size range of 60-80 μm resulted in liver localization in more close proximity to tumor nodule versus 100-120 μm. Baseline tumor volume was 1,909 ± 575 mm3 in animals receiving CHI versus 1,831 ± 249 mm3 in control animals (P = .342). In control animals, tumor volume markedly increased by 1,544 ± 512% at 2 weeks after sham operation versus baseline. In animals receiving CHI, tumor volume remained relatively unchanged (54 ± 6% increase; P = .007 vs control). Levels of blood aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in animals receiving CHI increased 1 week after treatment (P = .032 vs control for AST; P = .000 vs control for ALT), but returned to control levels at 2 weeks.
Conclusions:
CHI embolization suppressed tumor growth without appreciable damages in liver function.
Insights
Chitosan hydrogel microparticles (CHI) effectively suppressed VX2 carcinoma tumor growth in rabbits. This novel embolization therapy demonstrated significant tumor reduction without causing lasting liver damage.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Oncology
- Radiopharmacy
Background:
- VX2 carcinoma is a rabbit model for liver cancer research.
- Chitosan hydrogel microparticles (CHI) are being explored for targeted drug delivery.
- Effective embolization agents are crucial for liver cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of chitosan hydrogel microparticles (CHI) for treating VX2 carcinoma in a rabbit model.
- To assess the efficacy of different CHI sizes for intra-arterial hepatic delivery and tumor suppression.
Main Methods:
- VX2 carcinoma was implanted in rabbit livers.
- 99mTc-labeled CHI of two sizes (60-80 μm and 100-120 μm) were administered via intra-arterial catheterization.
- Tumor growth, liver distribution of CHI, and liver enzyme levels were monitored.
Main Results:
- CHI microparticles (60-80 μm) localized closer to tumor nodules compared to larger particles.
- CHI treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth (54% increase) versus controls (1,544% increase) over two weeks.
- Transient increases in liver enzymes (AST, ALT) were observed one week post-treatment, returning to baseline by two weeks.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan hydrogel microparticle embolization is a promising strategy for suppressing VX2 liver carcinoma growth.
- The 60-80 μm CHI size demonstrated optimal tumor proximity and therapeutic effect.
- This method offers a potential treatment option with manageable impact on liver function.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Liver Histology
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
01:30Liver Physiology
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of 70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can...
01:24Liver Regeneration
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are...
01:17Gross Anatomy of the Liver
Located under the diaphragm, the liver is almost entirely ensconced within the rib cage, providing it with substantial protection. Except for the superior most bare area, the liver's surface is...
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...