This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Schneider, P. Articles by Buhr, H. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Schneider, P. Articles by Buhr, H. J.

Chemoembolization of the Lung Improves Tumor Control in a Rat Model

Department of Surgery [P. S., S. K., T. F., H. J. B.] and Institute of Pathology, Consultation and Reference Center for Lymph Node Pathology and Haematopathology [C. L.], Benjamin Franklin Medical Center, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, D-12200 Berlin, Germany

Purpose: The novel method of organ-specific drug application we present here is unilateral chemoembolization of the lung by injecting the pulmonary artery with degradable starch microspheres and cytotoxic drugs to improve tumor control in lung metastases.

Experimental Design: In a solitary metastasis rat model (CC531 adenocarcinoma), we studied the clinical and histological tumor response as well as subacute toxicity of the lung. Fourteen days after tumor induction, animals were randomized into five groups. Groups I and II served as controls. Group III received carboplatin i.v. (45 mg/kg). Isolated lung perfusion with buffered starch solution and carboplatin (15 mg/kg) was installed in group IV. Chemoembolization with carboplatin (15 mg/kg) was performed in group V.

Results: Seven days later, the difference in the tumor volume before and after treatment was +422 mm³ (±226) in group I, +697 mm³ (±423) in group II, +70 mm³ (±31) in group III, -8 mm³ (±17) in group IV, and -17 mm³ (±16) in group V (P < 0.05 groups IV and V versus groups I, II, and III). No pleural spread was observed in groups IV and V. Histologically, the area of tumor necrosis was largest in group IV. Mild alveolar cell hyperplasia, pulmonary edema, and hemorrhage without subacute fibrotic changes were noted in all groups.

Conclusion: This is the first study to perform chemoembolization of the lung. Compared with i.v. therapy, chemoembolization was more effective without serious toxicity. Its efficacy was comparable with that of isolated lung perfusion but less stressful for a possible clinical application.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				T. J. Vogl, A. Wetter, S. Lindemayr, and S. Zangos Treatment of Unresectable Lung Metastases with Transpulmonary Chemoembolization: Preliminary Experience Radiology, March 1, 2005; 234(3): 917 - 922. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]