Microencapsulated tumor assay: Evaluation of the nude mouse model of pancreatic cancer

Figure 1 High frequency pulse microdroplet generator.

Figure 2 In vitro culture of cancer microcapsules after 5 to 7 d of in vitro incubation. A: Cancer microcapsules were filled with proliferated cells forming spheroids (× 100); B: Transmission electron microscope observation of encapsulated tumor cells (× 2500); C: Transmission electron microscope observation of encapsulated tumor cells after membrane burst (× 2500). Arrows are pointing to membrane of the microcapsule in B and C.

Figure 3 Progression of subcutaneous implantation tumor 8 wk after injection. A: Cancer cell microencapsulation group; B: Single cell suspensions group.

Figure 4 Growth curve of subcutaneous implantation tumor volume.

Figure 5 Tumor weights at different stages. Group of microencapsulation had statistically larger tumors at 8th wk compared with single tumor cells group yet no statistical differences at 4th wk.

Figure 6 Orthotopic implantation tumor production. A: Single tumor cells at 4th wk post-implantation; B-D: Microencapsulated tumor cells at 8th wk post-implantation. Arrows: Primary tumor; Arrow head: Metastasis lesion.

Figure 7 Positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan of mice from tumor cell microencapsulation group. White arrow points to the primary tumor, and black arrows point to metastasis lesions.

Figure 8 Hematoxylin and eosin staining of tumors. A: Single tumor cells; B: Microcapsules.

Figure 9 AE1AE3 immunohistochemical staining of tumors. A: Single tumor cells, AE1AE3 (+); B: Microcapsules, AE1AE3 (++).

Figure 10 Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 immunohistochemical staining of tumors. A: Single tumor cells, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (a few +); B: Microcapsules, CA199 (a few ++).

Figure 11 CAM 5. 2 immunohistochemical staining of tumors. A: Single tumor cells, CAM 5.2 (+); B: Microcapsules, CAM 5.2 (+).

Figure 12 Epidermal growth factor receptor immunohistochemical staining of tumors. A: Single tumor cells, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (+); B: Microcapsules, EGFR (++).

Figure 13 MIB-1 immunohistochemical staining of tumors. A: Single tumor cells, MIB-1 (60%); B: Microcapsules, MIB-1 (60%).

Figure 14 VIM immunohistochemical staining of tumors. A: Single tumor cells, VIM (-); B: Microcapsules, VIM (-).