Imaging tumor cell movement in vivo.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Metastasis Research
• Animal Models

Background:

• Rodent models are crucial for studying breast cancer metastasis.
• These models allow for the analysis of human tumor cells (xenografts) and endogenous tumor development.
• Understanding tumor cell motility is key to deciphering metastatic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe established methods for analyzing tumor cell motility in mouse and rat models of breast cancer metastasis.
• To provide protocols for generating and imaging mammary tumors in these models.
• To include supplementary methods for analyzing associated biological components.

Main Methods:

• Generation of mammary tumors in rodent models.
• In vivo imaging techniques for tumor visualization.
• Protocols for labeling macrophages and imaging blood vessels.
• Image analysis techniques for quantifying tumor cell behavior.

Main Results:

• Established protocols for generating and imaging mammary tumors in mice and rats.
• Methods for analyzing tumor cell motility within the tumor microenvironment.
• Included protocols for assessing macrophage infiltration and vasculature.

Conclusions:

• The described methods provide a comprehensive framework for studying breast cancer metastasis in rodent models.
• These techniques facilitate the analysis of tumor cell motility and associated factors.
• The unit offers valuable protocols for researchers investigating cancer spread and therapeutic strategies.