Comparison of Endoscopic Submuscosal Implantation vs. Surgical Intramuscular Implantation of VX2 Fragments for Establishing a Rabbit Esophageal Tumor Model for Mimicking Human Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma

Abstract

PurposeThis study was undertaken to establish a rabbit esophageal tumor model for mimicking human esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESC) by endoscopic and surgical implantation of VX2 tumors.MethodsFragments of a VX2 tumour were endoscopically implanted in the submucosal layer of the thoracic esophagus of 32 New Zealand white rabbits, while 34 animals received surgical implantation into the muscular layer. Then, the animals were studied endoscopically and pathologically. The safety and efficiency of the two methods and the pathological features of the animal models were analyzed.ResultsBoth the endoscopic and the surgical method had a relatively high success rate of tumor implantation [93.7% (30/32) vs. 97.1% (33/34)] and tumor growth [86.7% (26/30) vs. 81.8% (27/33)], and the variation in the results was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with those produced by the surgical method, the models produced by the endoscopic method had a higher rate of severe esophageal stricture [61.5% (16/26) vs. 29.6% (8/27)] and of intra-luminal tumor growth [73.1% (19/26) vs. 37.0% (10/27)], and had a lower rate of tumor invasion of adjacent organs [53.8% (14/26) vs. 81.5% (22/27)]; all of these results were statistically significant (P<0.05). However, the difference in the survival time and the rates of tumor regional/distant metastasis [38.5% (10/26) vs. 51.8% (14/27)] between the two methods were not statistically significant (P>0.05).ConclusionThe endoscopic and surgical methods are both safe and effective for establishment of VX2 tumors in the rabbit esophagus. The models produced by the two methods have different pathologic features mimicking that of human ESC. We recommend the models for studies on surgical procedures and minimally invasive treatments.

Effect of a paclitaxel-eluting metallic stent on rabbit esophagus

“…Due to the fact that the rabbit malignant stricture model was created recently in our previous study, a normal rabbit model (13,16) was used in the present study. A total of 48 rabbits with malignant esophageal occlusion were fasted for 24 h prior to stent implantation.…”

“…In our previous study, an esophageal squamous carcinoma was created in rabbits using an endoscopic technique (13). In addition, a previous study demonstrated that the in vitro sustained release of PEMS with 10% paclitaxel lasted for >40 days, which was sufficient for observing the effect of the drug on the rabbit esophagus (14).…”

The effect of paclitaxel-eluting covered metal stents versus covered metal stents in a rabbit esophageal squamous carcinoma model

“…The rabbits developed severe esophageal stricture 2 to 3 weeks after implanting the VX2 fragments, and autopsy examination revealed that the tumor consistently exhibited intra-luminal growth, which imitated advanced human esophageal carcinoma. [16]. Herein, our study was a continuation of the animal study on the success of model building, about the new treatment.…”

“…80000 units of penicillin were intramuscular injected regularly for 3 days. The method of tumor propagation and endoscopic implantation was the same as it of our previous study [16] and it was proven to be effective.…”

Laboratory animal models for esophageal cancer

“…Fragments from the harvested tumor are introduced with an endoscope into the submucosa of the esophagus [37]. Both the surgical and endoscopic implantation of VX2 cancer cell lines produce different pathological features and effectively mimic human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma [38]. …”