Abstract:Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining radiofrequency ablation(RFA) with arsenious acid(AA) locally to treat liver VX2 tumor in rabbits,and to explore its mechanism.
Methods:Twentyeight New Zealand White rabbits with implanted liver VX2 tumors were randomly divided into four groups: control group(n= 7), AA group (n=7), RFA group (n=7), and combination(RFA+AA) group (n=7). ALT was measured before treatment and on the day 0, day 3, day 7 and day 14 after treatment, meanwhile ultrasonic(US) examination was performed. All rabbits were killed 14 days after treatment. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was examined by immunohistochemistry,and the relationship of VEGF and gross tumor volume was analyzed.
Results:Combination (RAF+AA) therapy caused little damage to hepatic function but had better inhibited tumor growth.The level of VEGF in AA,RFA and RAF+AA group was lower than that of the control group（P<0.05）, The level of VEGF in the RFA group were lower than the AA group（P<0.05） while in the RAF+AA group it was the lowest,
Conclusions:Combined (RAF+AA) therapy can inhibit VEGF expression which can inhibit tumor growth and with no significant liver damage.