[The effect of high energy shock waves on growth and metastasis of implanted tumors of nude mice in vivo]

Abstract

We observed the effect of high energy shock waves (HESW) on tumor growth, histological and ultrastructural variations, and metastasis to lymph nodes and viscera in nude mice with implanted tumors. HESW was cytotoxic to tumors in vivo, and acted on levels of cell membrane, cytoplasmic organelles, and nuclear chromatins. At definite working voltage, this effect was positively proportional to the impulse number. Histological examination showed no metastatic focci to lymph nodes and viscera of nude mice with implanted tumors. The possible mechanism of HESW in vivo may be direct mechanical damage and indirect inhibition of tumor growth due to damage to the blood supply. Other hypotheses were also discussed.