Objective    To establish the nude mouse model of lymphatic metastasis

and evaluate the anti-tumor effect of capecitabine in this model.      Methods    The nude mouse model of lymphatic metastasis was established by injecting human colon carcinoma cell line HCT-116 into the claw pad. The lymph nodes from popliteal fossa

inguinal groove

abdominal cavity collected at 1-6 and 8 weeks after tumor implantation were used to observe the tumor formation rate

growth and metastasis by HE staining and immunohistochemistry of CEA. Meanwhile

capecitabine was administered orally to some mice to observe its anti-tumor effect.     Results      The tumor formation rate was 100% 1 week after injection

and the exponential growth phase was at 3-4 weeks. The first lymph node metastasis to groin-popliteal fossa was found at the 3th week (2/5)

and at the 6th week the metastasis rate was 100%

and the positive metastasis rate of lymph nodes at groin was 76.9% (10/13). At the 5th week

the second lymph node metastasis to ilio-blood-vessel side was found (1/5). The third lymph node metastasis to renal hilum was found at the 8th week (1/5)

and meanwhile the rate of lymph node metastasis to ilio-blood-vessel side was 60% (3/5). No distant metastasis to the liver and lungs was found. Implanted tumors developed lymph node metastases before exponential growth phase. There was diffuse cancer cell metastasis in lymph nodes

which can be approved through HE staining and immunohistochemistry of CEA. Oral intake of capecitabine suppressed the volume of the implanted tumor and significantly inhibited the metastasis to lymph nodes.     Conclusion    The nude mouse model of lymphatic metastasis is successfully established through injecting human colon carcinoma cell line to the claw pad. The model is simple

of rapid and concentrated transfer as well as high transfer rate. In addition

this model can be used to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of capecitabine.