Development of Preclinical Mouse Hepatic Artery Embolization Model for Translational Research in IR

This proof-of-concept study with short-term follow-up reports the development of a mouse hepatic artery embolization (HAE) model for translational research of interventional oncology. To induce liver metastases, luciferase-expressing colon cancer cells were injected into the spleens of BALB/c mice. After confirming hepatic tumor engraftment, HAE was performed by retrograde puncture of the lienogastric artery using a 34-gauge needle under microscopy. Six mice received microbead injections (HAE group), and 5 served as controls. Technical success rate was 100%; however, 2-day survival was 67% (4 of 6) for the HAE group. Bioluminescent imaging the day after the procedure showed a significant reduction in luciferase activity for the HAE group (P < .001), but not for controls (P = .367). Histological analysis revealed larger necrotic areas in the HAE group than in controls (interquartile range, 6.0%-34.9% vs 0.0%-0.5%; P < .05). This model might provide a valuable platform for translational research of interventional oncology.