Fig 1.
Study design of the VX2 rabbit uterine tumor model.
VX2 tumors were generated in donor rabbits (n = 6) by thigh inoculation and harvested after 3 weeks. Tumor tissue was minced into fragments and implanted into the endometrium of recipient rabbits (day 0). Recipient rabbits were assigned to two cohorts: a 14-day cohort (Cohort A, n = 8) and a 4-week cohort (Cohort B, n = 8). At the scheduled terminal endpoint (day 14 or week 4, according to cohort), laparotomy was performed to confirm intrauterine tumor engraftment, followed by euthanasia and tissue harvest. Primary uterine tumors and para-aortic/iliac lymph nodes were collected in both cohorts. A systematic peritoneal survey and collection of suspicious peritoneal nodules were planned and performed in the 4-week cohort.
Fig 2.
Establishment and processing of VX2 thigh tumor for uterine cancer model implantation.
(A) Minced VX2 tumor fragments were injected into the thigh muscle of donor rabbits. (B) A solid tumor mass developed at the injection site approximately 3 weeks post-inoculation. (C) The developed thigh tumor was surgically harvested under sterile conditions. (D) The excised tumor was minced into fine fragments suitable for aspiration using a 1 cc syringe with an 18G needle, to be used for implantation into the uterine endometrium of recipient rabbits.
Fig 3.
Establishment and histological validation of a rabbit uterine cancer model using VX2 tumor fragments.
(A) Minced VX2 tumor tissue was injected into the endometrium of the uterine horn using a syringe. (B) 14 days after implantation, macroscopic examination confirmed the formation of localized uterine tumors (yellow dotted line). (C) Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of the excised tumor demonstrated viable VX2 tumor cells and solid tumor architecture within the uterus. (x10) (D) Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of the excised tumor demonstrated viable VX2 tumor cells and solid tumor architecture within the uterus. (x40).
Fig 4.
Tumor progression and metastatic validation at 4 weeks.
(A) Macroscopic view of the primary uterine tumor at 4 weeks. (B) Representative image of retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis (arrow). (C) Macroscopic evidence of peritoneal metastasis (yellow dotted line). (D) H&E staining confirming viable VX2 carcinoma in the 4-week primary tumor (x40). (E) H&E staining confirming metastatic VX2 cells within a retroperitoneal lymph node (x40). (F) H&E staining confirming metastatic VX2 cells of peritoneal metastasis (x40).