Electrochemical lesions in the rat liver support its potential for treatment of liver tumors

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>An effective therapy is needed for patients with surgically unresectable liver tumors who have very limited life expectancy. One possible treatment is electrochemical tumor necrosis. This study investigated the natural history of electrochemical lesions in the normal rat liver.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>A direct current generator, connected to platinum electrodes, was used to create controlled areas of liver necrosis. Animals were sacrificed 2 days, 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months after treatment and the macroscopic and histological appearance of the necrotic lesions was followed.<h4>Results</h4>No animal died as a result of electrolysis; postoperatively, all gained weight normally. Liver enzymes were significantly (P < 0.001) elevated after treatment, but returned to normal after a week. Two days after electrolysis, histology confirmed an ellipsoidal area of coagulative necrosis at the site of the electrode tip and commonly a segment of peripheral necrosis. After 2 weeks there was histological evidence of healing. By 6 months, very little necrotic tissue remained within a small fibrous scar.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Electrolysis is a safe method for creating defined areas of liver necrosis that heal well with no associated mortality. This study supports the potential of electrolysis for treating patients with unresectable liver tumors.