Bischoff W, Thomas C, Elsässer E, Schnitzer A
Radiologe. 1977 Dec;17(12):503-8.
Nephroblastomas are induced in rats with N-Methyl-N-Nitroso-Urea, and selective renal artery occlusion is performed. This procedure has the same effect like occlusion by embolization. The effect of renal artery occlusion on the growth rate of nephroblastmas is controlled by angiography and gross and microscopic examinations up to 70 days following ischemia, the results are compared with a group of untreated nephroblastoma rats. There is a marked reduction of tumor size and a decrease in tumor proliferation. There is an immediate tumor cell death induced by acute and complete ischemia. Collateral blood vessels cause residual arterial blood supply of tumor parenchyma. There seems to be a correlation between collateral blood delivery and tumor size. Even 70 days after permanent ischemia there are areas of obviously absolute normal tumor cells. The conclusion of this experimental study demonstrated that growth rate of tumors can be reduced by ischemia although potentially malignancy still remains. Clinical embolization therapy is justified only in nonoperable patients with hypernephroma and with massive hematuria.