[Efficacy and safety of percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy for experimental vx2 lung cancer in rabbits].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) is an important mini-invasive technique used to treat solid tumors. This study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PMCT with a new homemade equipment for experimental VX2 lung carcinoma in rabbits, and optimize technical parameters.

METHODS: VX2 lung cancer model was established in 30 New Zealand rabbits by tissue clot suspension injection. The rabbits were divided into 3 groups: the rabbits in control group received sham operation; those in surgical A group and surgical B group were treated with computed tomography (CT)-guided PMCT at 40 W for 120 s or at 80 W for 60 s. General status of the rabbits after operation were observed. The rabbits were scanned with CT weekly to monitor tumor growth. Right after or 1 or 7 days after operation, 1 rabbit in each group was killed randomly for histologic examination.

RESULTS: The success rate of tumor cell transplatation was 100%. The tumor formation rate was 86.7%. The mean survival time was significantly longer in surgical A group and surgical B group than in control group [(62.2+/-4.4) days and (61.7+/-4.5) days vs. (39.7+/-5.3) days, P<0.01]. The occurrence rates of pneumothorax after PMCT were 33.3% (2/6) in control group, 55.6% (5/9) in surgical A group, and 33.3% (3/9) in surgical B group (P>0.10).

CONCLUSION: PMCT is a safe, effective and mini-invasive therapeutic option for lung cancer.