Quantitative analysis of distribution and fate of human lung cancer emboli labeled with 125I-5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine in nude mice.

The chemical and radio toxicity of 125-5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (125IUDR) on 870127T human lung cancer (HLC) cells grown in tissue cultures and the quantitative analysis of the distribution and fate of 125IUDR-labeled 870127T HLC cells in nude mice were evaluated. After 870127T HLC cells were plated and 125IUDR was added to the dishes at levels ranging from 0.1 microCi/ml to 5.0 microCi/ml of media, the growth rate of the cells for 24 h was similar to that of non-labeled cells. Nude mice were given intravenous injections of 125IUDR labeled 870127T HLC cells and killed at various intervals ranging from 5 min to 24 h after injection. Organs were collected, processed, and monitored. The lung contained most of the tumor cells at all intervals and the number of tumor cells in the lung decreased gradually post-injection. The tumor cells died rapidly, and only about 1.5% of all cell survived after 24 h post-injection. This study confirmed that very few surviving tumor cells are needed to cause metastasis.