Mechanisms of tumor electrochemical treatment (ECT) were studied using normal dog liver. Five physical and chemical methods were used. Two platinum electrodes were inserted into an anesthetized dog's liver at 3 cm separation. A voltage of 8.5 V direct current (DC) at an average current of 30 mA was applied for 69 min; total charge was 124 coulombs. Concentrations of selected ions near the anode and cathode were measured. The concentrations of Na+ and K+ ions were higher around the cathode, whereas the concentration of Cl- ions was higher around the anode. Water contents and pH were determined near the anode and the cathode at the midpoint between the two electrodes and in an untreated area away from the electrodes. Hydration occurred around the cathode, and dehydration occurred around the anode. The pH values were 2.1 near the anode and 12.9 near the cathode, Spectrophotometric scans of the liver sample extract were obtained, and the released gases were identified by gas chromatography as chlorine at the anode and hydrogen at the cathode. These results indicate that a series of electrochemical reactions take place during ECT. The cell metabolism and its environment are severely disturbed. Both normal and tumor cells are rapidly and completely destroyed in this altered environment. We believe that the above reactions are the ECT mechanisms for treating tumors. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.