Percutaneous Implantation of Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma: Technique and Observations

Rationale and objectives. The authors performed this study to determine whether intrathoracic inoculation of non-small-cell lung carcinoma with fluoroscopic guidance would provide for more accurate implantation. Materials and Methods. A tumor cell inoculum (2 × 10⁶ cells per 0.15 mL) was injected percutaneously under fluoroscopic guidance at the posterior midaxillary line in 22 athymic nude mice. The mice underwent imaging with a mammographic unit at 3, 5, and 8 weeks after implantation. The mice were sacrificed at 8 weeks, and autopsy was performed to determine tumor yield. Results. The use of a percutaneous technique under fluoroscopic guidance greatly facilitated the accurate implantation of xenografts. Tumor growth was seen at radiography in 18 of the 22 (82%) mice at 8 weeks. Necropsy revealed a 100% tumor yield. Histologic examination confirmed adenocarcinoma of the lung. The average number of tumors found in the lung parenchyma was 1.05 ± 0.35; the average number of tumors found in the mediastinum was 0.59 ± 0.67. The average tumor weight was 389 mg ± 64.3. The average tumor size was 300 mm³ ± 66.23. Conclusion. With fluoroscopic guidance, percutaneous implantation of tumor cells in athymic nude mice is simple and effective.