Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer
Published on: December 4, 2007
Abstract:
Colon tumors of mice were induced with 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine, N-nitroso-N-methylurethane, methylnitrosourea, and 4-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Of 82 transplantation attempts, four were successful, and the four tumors have been maintained as distinct tumor lines by subcutaneous transplantation. The tumors graded from II, adenocarcinoma, to IV, undifferentiated carcinoma. Volume-doubling times varied over a three-fold range, and metastatic potential ranged from 5 to about 100%. The tumors responded to treatment with some of the same agents found to be active in man. These included cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, and certain nitrosoureas. Preliminary evidence suggests that these tumor lines may be useful as experimental models.
Insights
New mouse colon tumor models were developed using chemical carcinogens. These models showed varied tumor grades and metastatic potential, responding to chemotherapy agents like cyclophosphamide, offering promise for cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Carcinogenesis
- Experimental Medicine
Background:
- Developing reliable animal models is crucial for understanding colon cancer progression.
- Chemical induction provides a method for generating diverse tumor characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize new transplantable mouse colon tumor lines.
- To evaluate the utility of these models in preclinical cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Colon tumors were induced in mice using four different chemical carcinogens.
- Successful tumor lines were maintained via subcutaneous transplantation.
- Tumor characteristics including grade, doubling time, and metastatic potential were assessed.
Main Results:
- Four distinct transplantable colon tumor lines were successfully established from 82 attempts.
- Tumor grades ranged from adenocarcinoma (II) to undifferentiated carcinoma (IV).
- Significant variation in volume-doubling times and metastatic potential (5-100%) was observed.
- Tumor lines demonstrated sensitivity to cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, and nitrosoureas, mirroring human responses.
Conclusions:
- The established mouse colon tumor lines represent valuable preclinical models.
- These models exhibit diverse biological behaviors and drug sensitivities, relevant to human colon cancer.
- Further research utilizing these models is warranted to explore novel therapeutic strategies.
