ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of glycolic acid-ethylcellulose microspheres infused via hepatic artery on hepatocarcinoma in rabbits. MethodsThirty New Zealand white rabbits were implanted with VX2 liver tumor and received CT examination after 13 days. The tumor volumes were calculated; the tumors were numbered according to volume and were divided into 3 groups by random number table. 3 F catheters were inserted via right femoral artery to hepatic artery in all animals; the nutrition arteries of the tumor were observed by injecting contrast media; and then therapeutic agents were given through the catheter. Group A (n=10) was given glycolic acid-ethylcellulose microspheres (0.023 g/1 ml), Group B (n=10) was given lipiodol (1 ml), and Group C (n=10) was given normal saline (1 ml). The liver function and tumor growth were observed before and after treatment; the pathological changes of tumor tissues and the survival of rabbits were observed with 5 randomly selected animals in each group. ResultsThe liver function and the tumor volumes were not significantly different among groups. One week after treatment, AST and ALT levels were significantly higher in Group A and B compared with those in Group C (P<0.05). CT results showed that the tumor growth rates in group A and B were significantly smaller than that in Group C (P<0.01), and that in group A was significantly smaller than that in Group B(P<0.01). Pathological examination showed greatly thickened tumor fibrous capsule and large necrotic area in tumors in Group A and B, with loosely arranged tumor cells, pyknosis and greatly decreased pathologic mitosis. VEGF expression and proliferation activity in Group A were weaker than those in Group B. Compared with Group B and C, animals in Group A had a significantly longer survival time compared with group B and C(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionTranscatheter infusion of glycolic acid-ethylcellulose microspheres is a safe and effective chemoembolization agent for treatment of rabbit hepatic tumors.