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

Introduction: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a palliative therapeutic option for solid hepatic tumors, stimulates localized and systemic anti-tumor cytotoxic T cells. We studied how far addition of CpG B oligonucleotides, toll like receptor (TLR) 9 agonists, may increase the anti-tumoral T cell response of RFA in the highly aggressive VX2 hepatoma. Methods: 21 days after hepatic tumor implantation, rabbits were randomized to receive RFA, CpG B, their combination or no therapy. The antitumor efficacy of RFA alone or in combination with CpG B was tested by rechallenging a separate group with i.v. injected VX-2 tum…