ABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Electrochemical therapy (ECT) has been used to treat unresectable hepatic tumor. In order to improve its efficacy, we combined ECT with hyperthermia induced by electrothermal needle (ETN) (ETECT). The aim of this study is to investigate the destructive effect of ETECT on normal rat liver.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty rats were randomized into 4 treatment groups (n=5 in each group): control, ECT alone, hyperthermia alone and ETECT. Following the treatment, sections of the livers were histologically examined by light microscopy and the destructive volumes were measured with micrometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We found that the destructive volumes in ETECT group were the largest (P<0.01). In ETECT group coagulative necrosis was found in both anode and cathode areas, around which transition zones existed. The transition zones can only be seen when coulomb was increased in ECT group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ETECT was demonstrated to enhance the destructive effect of ECT. This study provides theoretical and experimental basis for a new local ablative treatment for unresectable primary liver tumor.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Rats , Electric Stimulation Therapy , Methods , Electrochemistry , Hyperthermia, Induced , Methods , Liver Neoplasms, Experimental , Pathology , Therapeutics , Rats, Sprague-DawleyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the anti-tumor effects and the mechanism of a new treatment for Sarcoma180 in mice using both hyperthermia (H) and electrochemical therapy (ECT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A group of mice with Sarcoma180 (1 cm in diameter) were divided randomly into four groups and given different treatments: Control, ECT alone, H alone and electrothermal & electrochemical therapy (ETECT). The volumes of the tumors were calculated everyday after treatment. The tumor tissues were examined morphologically at 0, 6, 24 and 72 hours after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The tumors treated with ETECT were completely destroyed, and did not recur within a period of ten days by pathological examination. Results of this group were significantly different with the other groups (P<0.01). However, recurred tumors were found in 6 mice of H group and 5 mice of ECT group, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Based on the results obtained, ETECT induced by ETECD (D-device) is an effective way to eliminate cancer. It is capable of completely destroying cancer cells in a short time. The rate of Sarcoma180 inhibition is 100%, and malignant cells can't recur. The research provided theoretical and experimental bases for the treatment of oral cancer by a new approach to treat oral cancer.</p>