Targeting Liver Tumors with Oncolytic Viruses via the Hepatic Artery

Abstract

Source: Altomonte, J. et al., Transarterial Administration of Oncolytic Viruses for Locoregional Therapy of Orthotopic HCC in Rats. J. Vis. Exp. (2016)

The video demonstrates locoregional delivery of oncolytic viruses through hepatic arterial injection as a therapeutic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma. These viruses selectively replicate in tumor cells, inducing cell lysis and releasing tumor cell-associated antigens. This process triggers immunogenic cell death, inducing an anti-tumor response.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board. 1. Preparations before beginning surgery Sterilize surgical instruments (i.e., by autoclaving). Dilute the virus to the appropriate concentration, which will vary depending on the toxicity of the specific virus being used and the susceptibility of the rat strain. NOTE: For example…

Representative Results

Figure 1. Photographs of the hepatic arterial infusion procedure. A laparotomized rat demonstrates the placement of the abdominal wall retractor and gauze swabs (A). After lifting out the hepatic lobes, the common hepatic artery (designated CHA) and gastroduodenal artery (designated GA) are identified and dissected (B). After ligating the distal end of the gastro…

Materials

Veterinary clippers	Aesculap	GT415	Small, cordless trimmer ideal for removing fur from surgical area
Stereomicroscope	Zeiss	Stemi SV6
30G Needles	Braun	4656300	30G x ½"
1ml syringes	Braun	9161406V	Tuberculin syringe
Disposable scalpel	Feather	2975#15	#15 blade
Standard surgical scissors	Fine Science Tools	14001-13	Sharp/blunt, for opening skin and muscle
Adson forcep	Fine Science Tools	1101-12	With teeth, for grasping skin and muscle
Alm retractor	Fine Science Tools	17008-07	With blunt teeth, for spreading abdominal cavity open during surgery
Gauze swabs	Lohmann & Rauscher	18504	7.5 x 7.5 cm, should be autoclaved prior to use
Cotton-tipped applicator swabs	Lohmann & Rauscher	11970	Sterile
Fine-tipped foreceps	Fine Science Tools	11063-07	0.4mm, angled tip, for dissecting hepatic artery
Vannas spring scissors	Fine Science Tools	91500-09	For delicate cutting
Micro-needle holder	Fine Science Tools	12076-12	For ligating gastroduodenal artery
Needle holder	Fine Science Tools	12005-15	Tungsten carbide jaws
7-0 Prolene sutures	Ethicon	8648H	Polypropylene suture with curved needle, for ligating gastroduodenal artery
4-0 Vicryl sutures	Ethicon	V3040H	With curved needle attached
Infrared warming lamp	Beurer	IL11	For maintaining body temperature post-operatively