Murine Models of Intraperitoneal Perfusion for Disseminated Colorectal Cancer

Reproduction of the perfusion used in therapy (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) procedures preclinically represents a valuable asset for investigating new therapeutic agents that may improve patient outcomes. This article provides technical descriptions of our execution of closed and open "coliseum" abdominal perfusion techniques in a mouse model of peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal cancer.

BALB/c mice presenting with disseminated colorectal cancer (CT26-luciferin cells) underwent 30-min perfusions mimicking either the closed perfusion or the coliseum perfusion technique. Disease burden was monitored by bioluminescence signaling using an in vivo imaging system. Perfusion circuits consisted of single inflow lines with either a single or dual outflow line.

Twelve mice presenting with disseminated disease underwent the closed perfusion technique. Surgical complications included perfusate leakage and organ constriction/suction into the outflow line(s). Nine mice underwent the coliseum perfusion technique with surgical debulking, using bipolar cauterization to remove tumors attached to the peritoneum. All mice survived the coliseum perfusion with limited intraoperative complications.

Fewer intraoperative complications were experienced with our coliseum perfusion technique than the closed perfusion. The methods described here can be used as a guideline for developing future perfusion murine models for investigating perfusion models useful for delivery of chemotherapy or other tumor-sensitization agents, including selective targeted agents, nanoparticles, and heat.