Hepatic intra-arterial injection of lipiodol-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 for hepatocellular carcinoma in rats.
BACKGROUND
1,25-(OH)2 D3 has an in vitro growth regulator effect on different cancers. Unfortunately, dose-limiting toxicity (hypercalcemia) limits its use in anticancer therapy. For primary liver tumors, loco-regional delivery of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 in lipiodol might avoid high systemic concentrations and development of hypercalcemia.


METHODS
1,25-(OH)2 D3 alone or mixed in lipiodol, was delivered at different concentrations into the hepatic artery of rats bearing a primary liver tumor. Calcium levels, tumor volume and proliferation index were assessed after treatment.


RESULTS
Serum calcium values were significantly lower when the drug was mixed into lipiodol. Treatment with 10 micrograms of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 in ethanol resulted in a decrease in proliferation index within the tumor.


CONCLUSIONS
The delivery of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 mixed in lipiodol reduces the subsequent elevation of serum calcium. Locoregional treatment with 1,25-(OH)2 D3 was shown for the first time to be effective on primary liver tumor growth in vivo.
Jourdan
J L
JL
University of New South Wales, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Sydney, Australia.
Akhter
J
J
Bowrey
P
P
Pourgholami
M
M
Morris
D L
DL
D000818:Animals; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D004337:Drug Carriers; D007269:Injections, Intra-Arterial; D007459:Iodized Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008114:Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D004337:Drug Carriers; D007459:Iodized Oil; D002117:Calcitriol; D002118:Calcium