Hepatic intra-arterial injection of lipiodol-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 for hepatocellular carcinoma in rats
Jourdan, J.L.; Akhter, J.; Bowrey, P.; Pourgholami, M.; Morris, D.L.
Anticancer Research 20(4): 2739-2744
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 10953352 Document Number: 525568
Background: 1,25-(OH)2 D3 has an in vitro growth regulator effect on different cancers. Unfortunately, dose-limiting toxicity (hypercalcemia) limits its use in anticancer therapy. For primary liver tumors, loco-regional delivery of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 in lipiodol might avoid high systemic concentrations and development of hypercalcemia. Materials and Methods: 1,25-(OH)2 D3 alone or mixed in lipiodol, was delivered at different concentrations into the hepatic artery of rats bearing a primary liver tumor. Calcium levels, tumor volume and proliferation index were assessed after treatment. Results: Serum calcium values were significantly lower when the drug was mixed into lipiodol. Treatment with 10 mug of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 in ethanol resulted in a decrease in proliferation index within the tumor. Conclusions: The delivery of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 mixed in lipiodol reduces the subsequent elevation of serum calcium. Loco-regional treatment with 1,25-(OH)2 D3 was shown for the first time to be effective on primary liver tumor growth in vivo.