Purpose: To investigate the anticancer activity of transarterial embolization with arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) oil emulsion, as well as its hepatic and renal toxicity, in a rabbit VX2 liver model.
Materials and methods: VX2 carcinomas were grown in rabbit livers, followed by transarterial embolization with high-dose As(2)O(3) (5 mg/kg with 0.2 mL Lipiodol, n = 7), low-dose As(2)O(3) (1 mg/kg with 0.2 mL Lipiodol, n = 7), or control (0.2 mL Lipiodol, n = 7). The growth ratios and residual viable proportions of the tumors were estimated by multi-detector row computed tomography and histopathologic examination, respectively. Hepatic and renal toxicity was evaluated by means of blood biochemical analysis.
Results: The growth ratios of the tumors differed significantly among the three groups (P = .008). The high-dose As(2)O(3) group showed significantly lower tumor growth ratios than the control group (mean +/- SD, 14.8% +/- 78.6 vs 794.0% +/- 156.2; P = .008). The residual viable proportions of the tumors were significantly lower in the high-dose (9.5% +/- 8.8) and low-dose (13.0% +/- 9.1) As(2)O(3) groups than in the control group (44.5% +/- 5.2; P < .017). Blood chemical concentrations indicating hepatic and renal toxicity did not differ among the three groups before or after transarterial embolization (P > .05).
Conclusions: Transarterial embolization with As(2)O(3) iodized oil emulsion in rabbit VX2 liver tumors has anticancer effects without significant increase in hepatic and renal toxicity.