Effects of acetylsalicylic acid and acetic acid solutions on VX2 liver carcinoma in rabbits.: In vivo analysis

Purpose: To analyze, in vitro, the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and acetic acid solutions on VX2 carcinoma cells in the liver of rabbits with VX2 hepatic tumors; to determine the histolytic and anatomopathological characteristics of the solutions; and to evaluate the eventual biochemical and hepatic changes. Methods: A total of 48 rabbits were evaluated. The animals were randomized into two groups, protocol 3 (study group) and protocol 4 (controls), and each group was then subdivided into 3 subgroups. Four days after implantation of the tumor in the liver, median laparotomy was performed with a 0.4-ml injection of a solution of either aspirin (5.0%), acetic acid (5.0%) or saline. The animals were sacrificed after 24 hours (protocol 3) or after I I days (protocol 4). Body weight, clinical evolution and biochemical levels, as well as the abdominal and thoracic cavities, were evaluated, and liver microscopy was performed. Results: No changes in clinical evolution, body weight or biochemical levels were reported. However, an increase in alkaline phosphatase was observed in protocol 4 (controls). The tumor was eliminated in both protocols. Conclusion: Acetylsalicylic acid and acetic acid solutions cause the destruction of experimental hepatic tumors.