An improved biopsy technique for rabbits with VX2 bone tumors

The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an improved biopsy method for reducing local exudation and metastasis. After resecting the VX2 tumor in cancer-bearing VX2 rabbits, a tumor cell suspension was prepared. Tumor cells were transplanted into the tibias of 20 rabbits in order to establish a bone tumor model. These adult rabbits underwent a puncture procedure after 2 weeks. All the left tibias were punctured using the improved biopsy method (the experimental group), where bolt closures were implanted into puncture holes through the metallic casing following biopsy. All the right tibias were punctured using a traditional biopsy technique (the control group). Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess the exudation of each puncture hole after 1 h. After 7 days, a pathological study was performed on the soft tissue near each puncture hole. The success rate of the bone model was 100% for the 20 rabbits. The exudation rate in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (25 vs. 80%, respectively; χ(2)=12.13; P<0.05). The tumor-spreading rate in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (35 vs. 85%, respectively; χ(2)=10.41; P<0.05). Overall, it was shown that the improved biopsy method can prevent local bleeding and tumor metastasis.