Hyaluronan-based antiadhesive membrane has no major effect on intraperitoneal growth of colonic tumour cells

Background: A relationship between post-surgical adhesion formation and peritoneal tumour implantation has been proposed. Hyaluronan (HA)-based agents reduce adhesion formation, but the effect on peritoneal tumour is not established. This study investigated the influence of a HA-containing agent on intraperitoneal tumour in an experimental model. Methods: 66 Balb/c mice underwent laparotomy and damage was inflicted to the parietal peritoneum. The animals were randomized into five groups. Groups 1 and 2 received HA-carboxymethylcellulose bioresorbable membrane and no treatment, respectively. Mice in groups 3 - 5 were injected intraperitoneally with 10(5) colon 26-B cells after the laparotomy. Treatment consisted of HA membrane, no HA agent and placement of HA membrane on the non-traumatized peritoneal wall, respectively. Animals were killed after 14 days; adhesions were scored in groups 1 and 2, and the tumour mass in groups 3 - 5. 45 Wag/Rij rats underwent the same procedures and treatment as mice in groups 3 - 5. In rats, 10(6) CC-531 cells were injected. Rats were killed after 3 weeks and the tumour mass was scored. Results: HA membrane resulted in a significant reduction of adhesions, but had no major effect on the intraperitoneal tumour mass in mice and rats. Conclusion: HA-carboxymethylcellulose bioresorbable membrane has no major effect on intraperitoneal tumour implantation and growth in an experimental model. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.