Robust anti-Tumor Response in the to the Rabbit VX2 Hepatoma by Combined Radio Frequency Ablation and Toll like Receptor 9 Stimulation

Introduction: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used as palliative therapeutic option for solid hepatic tumors. Prior studies showed that apart from tumor ablation, RFA also stimulates anti-tumor cytotoxic T cells. CpG B is a toll like receptor (TLR) 9 agonist that was successfully used in clinical trails for melanoma and lung cancer. We therefore studied the combined efficacy of RFA and CpG B in the highly aggressive VX2 hepatoma in rabbits. Methods: 21 days after tumor implantation into livers, 32 rabbits were randomized to receive either RFA or CpG B alone, the combination of RFA and CpG B, or no therapy. Two…