Inhibition of peritoneal tumor cell growth and implantation in laparoscopic surgery in a rat model

Background The pathogenesis of portsite recurrences after laparoscopic surgery is still unknown, and a generally accepted approach to prevent tumor implantation does not exist. Methods The effect of taurolidine and heparin on growth of colon adenocarcinoma DHD/K12/ TRb was measured in vitro and in vivo. After incubation of the cells with heparin or taurolidine or both substances, cell kinetics were determined. In a rat model (n = 60), tumor cells were administered intraperitoneally, and pneumoperitoneum was established over 30 minutes. Rats received tumor cells, tumor cells + heparin, tumor cells + taurolidine, or tumor cells + taurolidine + heparin. Results In vitro, tumor cell growth decreased after incubation with taurolidine and taurolidine/ heparin. In vivo, intraperitoneal tumor weight was lower in rats receiving heparin (298 ±155 mg) and taurolidine (149 ± 247 mg) compared with the control group (596 ± 278 mg) but even less when both substances were combined (21.5 ± 36 mg). Conclusion Heparin inhibits intraperitoneal tumor growth in vivo slightly, while taurolidine causes significant decrease of tumor cell growth in vitro as well as tumor take and intraperitoneal tumor growth in vivo.