Efficacy of Transarterial Embolization with Arsenic Trioxide Oil Emulsion in a Rabbit VX2 Liver Tumor Model

Purpose: To investigate the anticancer activity of transarterial embolization with arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) 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 As₂O₃ (5 mg/kg with 0.2 mL Lipiodol, n = 7), low-dose As₂O₃ (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 As₂O₃ 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) As₂O₃ 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 As₂O₃ iodized oil emulsion in rabbit VX2 liver tumors has anticancer effects without significant increase in hepatic and renal toxicity.