Selection of liver-colonizing tumor cells from a murine fibrosarcoma induced by methylcholanthrene

An experimental tumor model was developed to study the organ preference of malignant tumors. The primary tumor ER 15-P was induced by inoculation of 1 mg methylcholanthrene in 0.1 ml sesame oil into the left femoral muscle of a female C57/Bl6J mouse. The tumor was palpable 100 days after induction. Spontaneous lung metastases were found at autopsy on day 128. Serial IM transplantation of tumor cells from the primary ER 15-P resulted in pulmonary metastases in all male and female mice. After IV injection of tumor cells from ER 15-P to male mice, colonies were found in lungs, thoracic cavity, liver, kidneys and occasionally also adrenals; female mice sometimes had ovarian metastases in addition, but no hepatic metastases. Liver-colonizing tumor cells were selected in male mice as follows: (a) IV injection of tumor cells from primary ER 15-P; (b) removal of tumor cells from liver tumor nodules, reinjection into mesenteric vein; (c) preparation of resulting tumors in the liver, reinjection of these cells through the portal system in one group of mice, and IV administration into tail vein in another group: (d) IM inoculation of tumor cells of the mesenteric passage in the left gastrocnemius muscle of mice prior to IV injection via tail vein in another group. Steps c and d were repeated three times. The procedure resulted in a highly significant decrease of tumor cell colonization to lungs and other organs, and a preferential increase of liver colonization. The liver preference of cell lines thus selected was obvious. Possible mechanisms for the organ preference of malignant tumors are discussed.