Practices and pitfalls of mouse cancer models in drug discovery

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Translational Research
• Preclinical Models

Background:

• Mouse cancer models are essential for understanding cancer biology and evaluating new treatments.
• Concerns exist regarding the predictive accuracy of mouse models for human cancer therapy outcomes.
• Transplanted tumor models are widely used in preclinical cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review commonly used transplanted mouse tumor models (subcutaneous and orthotopic).
• To discuss in vivo study endpoints utilized in cancer research.
• To highlight the impact of model and endpoint selection on predictive value.

Main Methods:

• Review of established transplanted tumor models in mice.
• Analysis of common in vivo study endpoints for cancer therapy assessment.
• Discussion of factors influencing the predictive value of preclinical models.

Main Results:

• Commonly used models include subcutaneous and orthotopic transplanted tumors.
• Various in vivo study endpoints are frequently employed.
• Model and endpoint selection significantly influences predictive accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing the selection of mouse cancer models and study endpoints is crucial.
• Improved predictive value can enhance research productivity and lower drug development expenses.
• Careful consideration of preclinical models is key for successful cancer drug development.