Establishment of an experimental intrapulmonary tumor nodule model.
BACKGROUND
A pulmonary tumor model is necessary to study the biology and therapy of lung cancer. Methods to establish a solitary intrapulmonary nodule are not well defined. Two methods for solitary intrapulmonary tumor nodule development in the Fischer rat are described.


METHODS
Methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma cell suspensions were introduced into lung parenchyma of Fischer rats via limited thoracotomy and lung puncture, or instilled into a distal airway after tracheal puncture and catheterization. Intrapulmonary tumor location, implantation mortality, procedure length, and animal survival were recorded.


RESULTS
Single pulmonary nodules developed at the implanted position in 100% (n = 320) and 95% (62/65) of animals after direct injection into the pulmonary parenchyma or via tracheal puncture and instillation. Operative mortality was 2% and 5% via lung or tracheal implantation, respectively. Less than 5 minutes was required for each implantation. Mean survival time was 24 +/- 2 and 26 +/- 6 days after lung or tracheal implantation in animals allowed to survive until tumor-induced death.


CONCLUSIONS
These easily performed, reproducible methods of establishing solitary intrapulmonary tumors are useful tools for lung cancer research.
Wang
H Y
HY
Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Ross
H M
HM
Ng
B
B
Burt
M E
ME
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D012513:Sarcoma, Experimental / Q000473:pathology; D003074:Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / Q000473:pathology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured