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Use of nude mouse xenograft models in prostate cancer research
1Department of Experimental Urology, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. vanweerden@uro.fgg.eur.nl
Background:
Our understanding of the mechanisms of (progressive) growth of prostatic cancer has been largely obtained through the study of experimental animal models. To be able to validate new concepts, representative model systems of human origin that mimic the clinical process of the disease in patients are essential. Unfortunately, the limited number of human prostate tumor models has considerably hampered research.
Methods:
Various research groups have put much effort in the development of human prostate tumor xenograft models, and large numbers of clinical prostate tumors were heterotransplanted in immune-deficient host animals. This huge effort has resulted in a number of tumor lines which are reviewed here.
Results:
Up to now, approximately 25 xenograft models of human prostate cancer have been established and reported in the literature. The available xenografts seem to represent the various stages of clinical prostate cancer, such as early progression and transition from androgen-dependent to androgen-independent growth. In addition, recent efforts are concentrating on the establishment of in vitro cell lines from these xenografts as well as on the development of (bone) metastatic variants.
Conclusions:
Xenograft models are important for elucidating regulatory pathways of tumor growth and progression and are indispensible for testing of new treatment modalities.
Insights
Human prostate cancer research is advancing with the development of approximately 25 xenograft models. These models mimic various disease stages, aiding in understanding tumor growth and testing new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Research
- Cancer Models
Background:
- Prostate cancer progression mechanisms are primarily studied using animal models.
- Human-origin models are crucial for validating new therapeutic concepts in clinical settings.
- Limited availability of human prostate tumor models has hindered research progress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review established human prostate cancer xenograft models.
- To highlight the utility of these models in advancing prostate cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Heterotransplantation of clinical prostate tumors into immune-deficient host animals.
- Review of approximately 25 established human prostate cancer xenograft models reported in the literature.
Main Results:
- Around 25 human prostate cancer xenograft models have been developed.
- These models represent diverse stages of prostate cancer, including androgen-dependent and -independent growth.
- Ongoing efforts focus on developing in vitro cell lines and metastatic variants from xenografts.
Conclusions:
- Xenograft models are vital for understanding prostate cancer growth and progression pathways.
- These models are indispensable tools for evaluating novel therapeutic strategies.