The influence of high-energy shock waves on the development of metastases

The hypothesis that exposure of a solid tumor to high-energy shock waves (HESW) could lead to an increase of metastases was investigated in an animal model. The highly metastatic AT-6 Dunning R3327 rat prostate cancer subline was implanted in the hind limb of a Fisher-Copenhagen rat and was exposed to 6000 shock waves delivered by an experimental lithotripter, or sham-treated, as soon as the tumor had reached a volume of 175-225 mm3. The tumor-bearing leg was amputated 24 h later and the number of metastases was examined 12 weeks thereafter at autopsy. Metastases were seen in 82% of the animals exposed to HESW and in 25% of the sham-treated animals. There was no significant difference in weight of the lungs that contained metastases, between sham and treated animals. These results were confirmed in a second experiment. We conclude that the metastatic spread of tumors with a high metastatic potential may be enhanced by shock-wave exposure.