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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
Published on: April 22, 2019
Establishment and characterization of an orthotopic sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma mouse model
María Costales1, Fernando López1, Cristina García-Inclán1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
Background:
Despite therapeutic improvements, patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) still face an unfavorable prognosis and there is great need for alternative treatments.
Methods:
SCCNC4 cells, originally derived from a T2N1M0 primary and untreated sinonasal SCC, were inoculated in the maxillary sinus of immunodeficient mice. Histology, invasive behavior, and genetic features were evaluated and compared with the original primary tumor.
Results:
The mice developed tumors that invaded bone, surrounding tissues, and brain, showing the same poor differentiation as the original primary tumor. Genetic analysis revealed an almost identical pattern of copy number alterations, except for the deletion and loss of expression of the genes CDKN2A and PTEN.
Conclusion:
This article shows the feasibility of an orthotopic mouse model of SCC of the maxillary sinus. Completed by genome-wide genetic profiling data, this model will be useful for preclinical testing of specific gene-targeted anticancer drugs.
Insights
Researchers developed a new mouse model for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This model mimics human tumors and will aid in testing new gene-targeted cancer drugs for this challenging disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Medicine
- Animal Models
Background:
- Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) presents a poor prognosis despite current treatments.
- There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies for sinonasal SCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate an orthotopic mouse model for sinonasal SCC.
- To provide a platform for preclinical evaluation of targeted anticancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- An orthotopic mouse model was created by inoculating SCCNC4 cells into the maxillary sinus of immunodeficient mice.
- Tumor histology, invasive properties, and genetic profiles were analyzed and compared to the original human tumor.
Main Results:
- The developed mouse model exhibited invasive tumor growth, mirroring the poor differentiation of the primary sinonasal SCC.
- Genetic analysis showed high similarity to the original tumor, with notable differences in CDKN2A and PTEN gene expression.
Conclusions:
- An orthotopic mouse model for maxillary sinus SCC has been successfully established.
- This genetically characterized model is suitable for preclinical testing of targeted anticancer drugs.
