Development of orthotopic pancreatic tumor mouse models

Genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic cancer that recapitulate human pancreatic tumorigenesis have been established. However, the cost associated with generating and housing these mice can be -prohibitive. Tumor latency and progression to invasive diseases in these models are also highly variable. Xenograft mouse models of human pancreatic cancer including heterotopic and orthotopic have been widely used in preclinical studies for their comparatively low cost and rapid, predictable tumor growth. Of the two, orthotopic tumor mouse models are preferred because they offer tissue site-specific pathology, allow studies of metastasis, and are generally deemed more clinically relevant. Here we describe the procedures of implanting cancer cell lines to generate orthotopic mouse models for pancreatic cancer.