[Experimental study on the prevention of hepatic metastasis by intraportal administration of carcinostatics]

The prophylactic effect of intraportal administration of carcinostatics against hepatic metastasis of malignant tumor was examined. A cell suspension of VX2 cells was implanted into the portal vein of rabbits. Immediately or 3 days after injection, these rabbits were divided into 3 groups, that is intraportal administration of adriamycin (ADR) (1.5 mg/kg), adriamycin-lipiodol emulsion (ALE) (1.5mg/kg ADR), and control. In each group, hepatic metastasis were examined in 6 animals 16 days after injection. Among rabbits treated immediately after implantation the numbers and surface areas of hepatic metastasis were ADR < ALE < control, showing a significant intergroup difference. Among the groups treated 3 days after implantation corresponding numbers and the surface areas were ALE < ADR < control. Intraportal administration of ADR alone was the most effective against implantation of tumor cells and intraportal ALE was the most effective against early metastatic foci after tumor cells had lodged in the liver.