Determination of Growth Rate of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenografts in Nude Mice

Liver cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in the world. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the most severe type of liver cancer. The objective of this study is to determine the growth rate of liver cancer cells that have been xenografted into nude mice. Mice were divided into two groups; 8 mice were selected for xenograft, and 4 mice were used for control. 1×106 cells/mL HepG2 cell lines were injected into the right hip area. Both groups were housed in the same sterile conditions. The results showed that the feeding rate of xenografted mice decreased, whereas weight had increased two weeks after xenograft compared to control group. This experiment revealed that the volume of liver cancer increased, along with the weight of the nude mice as a function of time. The growth rate and rate of division for liver cancer cells were very rapid, leading to a greater volume of liver cancer that was very high relative to growth rate. The growth rate was 0.94 cm3/day. These findings indicate that liver cancer growth is very rapid. Therefore, it is important to have effective strategies for liver cancer treatment.