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Xenograft models for preclinical drug testing: implications for adrenocortical cancer
Michaela Luconi1, Massimo Mannelli
1Endocrinology Unit, Dept. of Clinical Physiopathology, DENOTHE Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy. m.luconi@dfc.unifi.it
Abstract:
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a very rare but aggressive tumor, whose biological and cellular features and processes underlying the development, progression and metastatic evolution are still obscure. Despite many attempts to use general cytostatic and cytotoxic drugs, the only available drug therapy for advanced ACC is still represented by mitotane (MTT). However, the mechanism of action of this adrenolytic derivative of the pesticide DDT has still been poorly characterized. In this context, the development of more specific drugs for ACC treatment is based on the knowledge of the molecular pathways involved in the tumor growth. Xenograft models for the screening of such drugs at preclinical levels is mandatory. In the first part of this review, we will summarize the "pro" and "con" of the different xenograft models available for anticancer drug testing in different types of tumors in general and in the last part, we will focus on the preclinical evidence obtained so far with the use of such models applied to drug screening for anticancer effects in ACC.
Insights
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) research needs better models. Xenograft models are crucial for screening new drugs to understand ACC
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive cancer with poorly understood mechanisms.
- Current treatment for advanced ACC relies on mitotane (MTT), whose action is not fully elucidated.
- Developing targeted therapies requires understanding ACC's molecular pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of xenograft models for preclinical anticancer drug screening in ACC.
- To summarize the advantages and disadvantages of various xenograft models for drug testing.
- To present current preclinical evidence for drug screening in ACC using xenograft models.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on xenograft models in cancer research.
- Analysis of preclinical studies employing xenograft models for ACC drug screening.
- Evaluation of the pros and cons of different xenograft model systems.
Main Results:
- Xenograft models are essential for preclinical evaluation of novel ACC therapies.
- Different xenograft models offer varying degrees of biological relevance and predictive value.
- Existing studies highlight the potential of xenograft models in identifying effective ACC treatments.
Conclusions:
- Xenograft models are indispensable tools for advancing ACC drug discovery.
- Further refinement and application of xenograft models are critical for developing targeted ACC therapies.
- Understanding ACC's molecular basis is key to optimizing xenograft model utility.
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