A rat lung cancer model based on intrapulmonary implantation of tumour material

A lung cancer model based on implantation of tumour fragments in the posterior lobe of the right lung of WAG/Rij rats by a surgical procedure has been developed. Two transplantable squamous cell carcinomas which were induced by implanted iridium-192 wires in the lung, were used in this study. The characteristics of these tumours following intrapulmonary implantation are reported with respect to growth rate, invasiveness and metastasizing capacity. The tumour volumes are determined by X-ray chest radiographs. Mean tumour volume doubling times are about 9 days. This system provides a means to evaluate treatment regimens involving irradiation and chemotherapeutic drugs.