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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer
Published on: July 18, 2017
Chemotherapy of transplanted adenocarcinomas of the colon in mice
Abstract:
Transplantable adenocarcinomas of the colon in mice have been developed from primary tumors induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. Two such transplant lines, MAC-13 and MAC-15, have been used to assess the possible value of this type of tumor in chemotherapy screening. A protocol has been established and 11 standard drugs were tested against the two lines. Both tumors show sensitivity which is remarkably similar to that of human large bowel cancer, and MAC-13 would have correctly predicted the activity in man for ten of the 11 drugs. Quantitatively, CCNU, methyl-CCNU, and cyclophamide were the most effective drugs. A comparison of the predictive efficiencies of L1210 leukemia, B16 melanoma, and these new tumors as screening systems for colorectal cancer is made and discussed.
Insights
New mouse colon cancer models (MAC-13 and MAC-15) effectively predict human colorectal cancer drug responses. These models show similar drug sensitivity to human tumors, aiding chemotherapy screening.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Transplantable murine colon adenocarcinomas were developed from primary tumors induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine.
- Two specific transplant lines, MAC-13 and MAC-15, were established for research purposes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of MAC-13 and MAC-15 mouse colon cancer models in chemotherapy screening.
- To compare the predictive value of these models against established screening systems like L1210 leukemia and B16 melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Established a standardized protocol for chemotherapy testing.
- Administered 11 standard chemotherapy drugs to MAC-13 and MAC-15 tumor models.
- Assessed tumor sensitivity and drug efficacy.
Main Results:
- Both MAC-13 and MAC-15 models demonstrated drug sensitivity profiles remarkably similar to human colorectal cancer.
- The MAC-13 model accurately predicted the efficacy of 10 out of 11 tested drugs in human patients.
- CCNU, methyl-CCNU, and cyclophosphamide were identified as the most effective drugs against these models.
Conclusions:
- MAC-13 and MAC-15 represent valuable preclinical models for colorectal cancer chemotherapy screening.
- These murine models offer high predictive accuracy for drug activity in human colorectal cancer.
- The study highlights the potential of these models to improve the selection of effective chemotherapeutic agents.
