[Transplantation model of human hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice. II. Establishment of the LTNM2 human liver cancer model in nude mice and observation on the growth of the transplanted tumor].

LTNM2 model was established by the surgical specimen of a patient with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with positive AFP. Human HCC was successfully transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice (Swiss nu/nu) following a latent period of 93 days with serial passages for 7 generations. Transplantability in nude mice was 72% (42/58). Based on the observation of 42 nude mice models, it was proved that the original properties of the human HCC, such as the morphological features, cell type and degree of differentiation and the functions, synthesis of AFP, were preserved. The tumor growth was progressive. The mean value of increased geometrical mean diameter tumor growth was progressive. The mean value of increased geometrical mean diameter (GMD) was 2.5 +/- 1.1 mm/week. Necrosis, ulceration and spontaneous regression was rarely observed. These results show that the transplanted tumor in nude mice bears a strong resemblance to the parent human HCC. LTNM2 model can be used not only for basic research of liver cancer but also for experimental therapeutic study.