Abstract
Purpose: :
To develop a model of uveal melanoma hepatic metastasis.
Methods: :
OCM1a (poorly invasive) and M619 primary (highly invasive) uveal melanoma cells and MUM2B metastatic (highly invasive) uveal melanoma cells were grown on agar to form aggregates which were aspirated into Hamilton syringes. After induction of anesthesia, a 1 cm long incision was made into the abdominal wall of 45 CB17 SCID mice until the liver was exposed. A volume of 15 µl suspension of 1 of the 3 cell lines was injected beneath the capsule of the liver of each animal using a Hamilton syringe and a 29G needle. Animals were observed daily and sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks post injection. Tissues were examined by light microscopy.
Results: :
OCM1a cells form microscopic nodules in the mouse liver within two weeks after injection, but these tumors do not grow significantly in size and do not metastasize beyond the liver. Two weeks after injection M619 or MUM2B cells, expansile tumor nodules are identified in the liver. By 4 weeks post injection of M619 or MUM2B cells, tumor invades into the abdominal viscera and disseminates to the mediastinum. Additionally, MUM2B cells disseminate to the pulmonary parenchyma; intravascular tumor emboli are identified.
Conclusions: :
This animal model may be useful in testing therapeutic agents designed to treat hepatic metastases from uveal melanoma.
Keywords: melanoma • pathology: experimental • tumors