Feasibility study of low concentration ethanol in preventing postoperative recurrence of cholangiocarcinoma

Objective To study the feasibility of low concentration ethanol in preventing the relapse of cholangiocarcinoma after operation. Methods Human cholangiocarcinoma QBC939 cells were cultured with ethanol at different concentrations for 15 minutes.The concentration of ethanol inhibiting the proliferation of QBC939 cells was measured by MTT assay.After pretreated with ethanol at different concentrations for 15 minutes,the QBC939 cells were inoculated into the subcutaneous tissue of nude mice.A nude mouse tumor model was established to determine the security ethanol concentration inhibiting the proliferation of QBC939 cells.Effect of security distilled ethanol solution injected into abdominal cavity of rats on their vital signs and abdominal organs was observed. Results The IC50 of ethanol on proliferation of QBC939 cells was 1.8%-2.2%.Ethanol with its concentration over 5% could significantly inhibit the proliferation of QBC939 cells.No tumor nodule was found 15 days after 15% ethanol–pretreated QBC939 cells were inoculated into subcutaneous layer of rats.10ml 15% ethanol distilled solution injected into abdominal cavity had no significant effect on vital signs and abdominal organs of rats. Conclusion Low concentration ethanol can effetely inhibit the proliferation of QBC939 cells without affecting the vital signs and abdominal organs of rats,and is thus of a potential application value in preventing recurrence of cholangiocarcinoma after operation.