Effect of tranexamic acid on the microvascular system of VX2 carcinoma in rabbits

Abstract

I investigated the effect of the antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid on tumor growth and vacularization. VX2 carcinoma cells were implanted into the ears of rabbits. Tranexamic acid (2,000 mg/kg) was administered daily by femoral intramuscular injection in the experimental group. Tumor growth was suppressed in the experimental group compared with the controls which received no injection. Examination of the microvascular structure revealed that tumor angiogenesis was delayed in the experimental group. Further capillary networks were constructed throughout the entire tumor region after two weeks, but were loose compared with the controls. These results suggest suppression of tumor growth in the VX2 carcinoma resulted from inhibition of tumor angiogenesis by the tranexamic acid.