Effect of low molecular weight dextran on hepatic metastases in the rabbit.

SUMMARY The administration of low molecular weight dextran resulted in an increase in hepatic metastases in rabbits receiving intra portal inoculations of V2 carcinoma cells. This effect is similar to that observed previously in our laboratory following intra portal injection of Walker tumor cells in the rat. Although the mechanism whereby dextran produces such an effect on tumor growth is unclear, the findings do not appear to be related to an anaphylactoid reaction due to dextran. They further em phasize the importance of local (â€oesoil†•) factors in metastasis formation since the effect observed on hepatic metastases ap parently differs from that purported to occur in the lung. The increase in hepatic metastases in two species following dextran administration provokes caution concerning its use in patients undergoing surgery for neoplastic disease.