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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Published on: September 18, 2013
In vivo models of prostate cancer metastasis to bone
1Molecular Pharmacology Section, Cancer Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
Purpose:
The metastasis of prostate cancer to bone is the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality in this disease. An estimated 28,900 men die annually secondary to prostate cancer bone metastasis. Current treatments increase survival for 2 months and only bisphosphonates offer any palliative benefit. This shortcoming is due in part to inadequate models in which to study the molecular biology of the disease and evaluate therapeutic regimens. We examined the breadth of models available that recapitulate the process of prostate cancer metastasis to bone.
Materials And Methods:
A PubMed search was done for publications concerning prostate cancer metastasis to bone and the imaging of bone metastases. Only studies focusing on model systems of disease progression and imaging of the process were included. Additional studies were found by cross-reference searching.
Results:
Prostate cancer metastasis to bone is a lengthy, complex process characterized by multiple stages. This has made it difficult to find adequate laboratory models in which to recreate the disease process. Each available model has characteristics of particular phases of disease progression to bone. The most widely used models are transgenic mice, variations of SCID mice, and the traditional orthotopic and xenotransplantation models. Furthermore, investigators have started to adapt their models to incorporate imaging modalities for following the progression of prostate cancer to bone.
Conclusions:
The development of models of prostate cancer metastasis to bone is an evolving discipline. A deeper understanding of the metastatic process has served to improve current models and it will continue to do so in the future.
Insights
Developing better models for studying prostate cancer bone metastasis is crucial. Current models have limitations, but advancements in understanding the disease are improving therapeutic evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Metastasis Research
- Animal Models in Cancer
Background:
- Prostate cancer bone metastasis is a major cause of death, with limited treatment efficacy.
- Current therapeutic options offer minimal survival benefits and palliative care.
- Inadequate models hinder the study of disease mechanisms and drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and assess available models for prostate cancer metastasis to bone.
- To identify limitations and advancements in disease modeling.
- To inform the development of improved research tools for prostate cancer bone metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed for studies on prostate cancer bone metastasis models.
- Inclusion of studies focusing on disease progression and imaging within model systems.
- Cross-referencing to identify additional relevant research.
Main Results:
- Prostate cancer bone metastasis is a complex, multi-stage process.
- Existing models (transgenic mice, SCID mice, orthotopic, xenotransplantation) capture specific phases of metastasis.
- Imaging modalities are increasingly integrated into these models.
Conclusions:
- Model development for prostate cancer bone metastasis is an evolving field.
- Enhanced understanding of metastasis drives model improvement.
- Future research will benefit from progressively sophisticated models.
