Tumorigenicity of sarcoma cells is enhanced by the local environment of implanted foreign body.

The local effect of an implanted foreign body (polyvinyl chloride film) on the growth of transplanted syngeneic sarcoma cells was studied. Two cell lines derived from CBA mouse sarcomas induced by subcutaneously implanted polymer films were used. Small numbers of tumour cells were subcutaneously transplanted to CBA mice in several ways (1) as a suspension into normal tissue (control group); (2) as a suspension into the capsules around previously implanted polymer films; (3) attached to the surface of polymer films, and implanted with these films. The incidence of tumours was significantly increased and the time of their appearance was decreased in groups (2) and (3) as compared with the control group (1). Removal of the film from the capsule 24 h after the transplantation of sarcoma cells did not abolish the stimulation of tumor growth. It is concluded that the local environment of the implanted foreign body promotes the growth of sarcoma cells; similar promoting effects may play some role in the course of foreign body tumorigenesis.