Feasibility of the chick chorioallantoic membrane model for preclinical studies on tumor radiofrequency ablation

Background We evaluated the feasibility of a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) tumor model for preclinical research on tumor radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods Fertilized chicken eggs were incubated and divided into five cohorts: RFA for 30 s ( n = 5), RFA for 60 s ( n = 5), RFA for 120 s ( n = 4), sham ( n = 8), and controls ( n = 6). Xenografting using pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cells of the BON-1 cell line was performed on embryonic day (ED) 8. The RFA was performed on ED 12. Survival, stereomicroscopic observations, and histological observations using hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) and Ki67 staining were evaluated. Results The survival rates in the 30-s, 60-s, and 120-s, sham and control cohort were 60%, 60%, 0%, 100%, and 50%, respectively. Signs of bleeding and heat damage were common findings in the evaluation of stereomicroscopic observations. Histological examination could be performed in all but one embryo. Heat damage, bleeding, thrombosis, and leukocyte infiltration and hyperemia were regular findings in H&E-stained cuts. A complete absence of Ki67 staining was recorded in 33.3% and 50% of embryos in the 30-s and 60-s cohorts that survived until ED 14, respectively. Conclusions The CAM model is a feasible and suiting research model for tumor RFA with many advantages over other animal models. It offers the opportunity to conduct in vivo research under standardized conditions. Further studies are needed to optimize this model for tumor ablations in order to explore promising but unrefined strategies like the combination of RFA and immunotherapy. Relevance statement The chick chorioallantoic membrane model allows in vivo research on tumor radiofrequency ablation under standardized conditions that may enable enhanced understanding on combined therapies while ensuring animal welfare in concordance with the “Three Rs.” Key points • The chorioallantoic membrane model is feasible and suiting for tumor radiofrequency ablation. • Radiofrequency ablation regularly achieved reduction but not eradication of Ki67 staining. • Histological evaluation showed findings comparable to changes in humans after RFA. • The chorioallantoic membrane model can enable studies on combined therapies after optimization. Graphical Abstract