Tumor preparation.

<p>(A) Hind limb tumors were placed in a sterile petri dish and sliced into small tumor fragments (3-4mm³). (B) A 17 gauge coaxial introducer has a hollow core (white arrow), with two inner stylets, sharp (black arrow head) and blunt (white arrow head).</p

Histology.

<p>H&E staining was performed confirming tumors within the liver.</p

Immunomodulatory Magnetic Microspheres for Augmenting Tumor-Specific Infiltration of Natural Killer (NK) Cells

The purpose of this research is to develop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visible immunomodulatory microspheres (IMM-MS) for efficient image guided cancer immunotherapy. IMM-MS composed of recombinant interferon gamma (IFN-γ), iron oxide nanocubes (IONC), and biodegradable poly­(lactide-<i>co</i>-glycolide) (PLGA) were successfully prepared via a double-emulsion method. The prepared IMM-MS exhibited a sustained IFN-γ release and highly sensitive MR <i>T</i>₂ contrast effects. Finally, in an orthotopic liver tumor VX2 rabbit model, successful hepatic intra-arterial (IA) transcatheter delivery of IMM-MS to liver tumors was confirmed with MR images. The deposition of IMM-MS significantly increased NK-cell infiltration into the liver tumor site

Ultrasound guided implantation.

<p>(A) Using ultrasound guidance, a 17 gauge coaxial introducer (arrow) is advanced into the liver. The sharp inner stylet is removed and a small tumor fragment (3-4mm³) is placed in the hub of the introducer and pushed with the blunt stylet. (B) Post implantation US image reveals a small focus of hyperechogenicity (arrow) representing the tumor fragment and air.</p

MRI and Gross Pathology.

<p>(A) Axial T2 weighted MRI image demonstrates two T2 hyperintense lesions in the left hepatic lobe (arrow heads). (B) Explanted gross specimen reveals tumors corresponding to the lesions seen on MRI (arrow heads).</p

Mean tumor growth rates.

<p>Mean tumor growth rates.</p