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ABSTRACT: Background
The peritoneum is a common site for the formation of metastases originating from several gastrointestinal and gynecological malignancies. A representative preclinical model to thoroughly explore the pathophysiological mechanisms and to study new treatment strategies is important. A major challenge for such models is defining and quantifying the (total) tumor burden in the peritoneal cavity prior to treatment, since it is preferable to use non-invasive methods. We evaluated ultrasound as a simple and easy-to-handle imaging method for this purpose.Methods
Peritoneal metastases were established in six WAG/Rij rats through i.p. injections of the colon carcinoma cell line CC-531. Using ultrasound, the location, number and size of intraperitoneal tumor nodules were determined by two independent observers. Tumor outgrowth was followed using ultrasound until the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was ≥8. Interobserver variability and ex vivo correlation were assessed.Results
Visible peritoneal tumor nodules were formed in six WAG/Rij rats within 2-4 weeks after cell injection. In most animals, tumor nodules reached a size of 4-6 mm within 3-4 weeks, with total PCI scores ranging from 10-20. The predicted PCI scores using ultrasound ranged from 11-19 and from 8-18, for observer 1 and 2, respectively, which was quite similar to the ex vivo scores.Conclusions
Ultrasound is a reliable non-invasive method to detect intraperitoneal tumor nodules and quantify tumor outgrowth in a rat model.
SUBMITTER: Helderman RFCPA
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9313051 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature