[Development of an experimental model for the study of hepatic metastasis]

An experimental model for the induction of hepatic metastasis by means of the subcutaneous injection of rhabdomyosarcoma cultured cells (S4MH) is described. The growth of the primary tumor and the dissemination process (local, ganglionar and hematogenous) are studied. The particular ability of the tumor to produce liver metastasis is assessed. The microscopic foci may be found in all of the specimens on day 25th post-injection. The maximum metastatic load is achieved by day 35 th. In contrast, the ganglionar and pulmonary metastasis were only found on the last step of the process.