Tumor growth in partially hepatectomized rats.

Summary The growth of Walker tumor 256 and of a transplantable hepatoma was significantly greater in partially hepatectomized rats than in the intact animal. Partial hepatectomy did not enhance the growth of the Jensen sarcoma or of the Murphy lymphosarcoma. It is suggested that the regenerating liver may release a humoral agent causing increased growth of some tumors. The possible relationship of this agent to other growth-promoting liver factors is discussed. Liver regeneration was enhanced in the presence of a growing tumor, regardless of whether the growth of the latter was influenced by the liver regeneration.