Generation and modulation of hepatocellular carcinoma circulating cells: a new experimental model.
BACKGROUND
To establish a new experimental model of human hepatocellular carcinoma by orthotopic implantation of tumoral cells with its subsequent removal, to generate and modulate circulating tumoral cells.


METHODS
Three human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2, PLC/PRF, and Mahlavu) were orthotopically implanted under the Glisson's capsule of the left lateral lobe of the liver in a total of 56 non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Tumor removal was performed 30 d after injection, and a laparotomy without tumor removal was done in control mice. Generation of circulating cells was monitored by flow cytometry using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated anti-HLA antibody.


RESULTS
In 26 mice implanted with Mahlavu cells, 20 developed a unique tumor allowing a resection (77%), which was technically feasible in 80% of cases. The overall perioperative mortality was 30% (3/10) after resection; no mortality was observed in the control group. The circulating tumoral cells decreased dramatically after resection of the tumor as compared with control mice.


CONCLUSIONS
This new model is feasible and may be an interesting useful tool to study the hepatocellular carcinoma metastatic process and is consistent with the human clinical practice.
Scatton
Olivier
O
Service de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France.
Chiappini
Franck
F
Liu
Xu-Hui
XH
Riou
Philippe
P
Marconi
Anthony
A
Debuire
Brigitte
B
Azoulay
Daniel
D
Lemoine
Antoinette
A
D000818:Animals; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D016688:Mice, Inbred NOD; D016513:Mice, SCID; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation