Changes in growth factor levels after thermal ablation in a murine model of colorectal liver metastases

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines changes in the expression of growth factors following thermal ablation (TA) of selected colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases. Methods: Using mice with established CRC liver metastases, two tumours in each animal were thermally ablated. Liver and tumour tissues were collected at various time-points (days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7) following TA treatment from the ablation site and from sites distant from ablated tumour. Changes in growth factor expression (epidermal growth factor [EGF], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], hepatocyte growth factor [HGF] and transforming growth factor-β[TGF-β]) in comparison with baseline levels (non-ablated) were assessed by..