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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Establishing Intracranial Brain Tumor Xenografts With Subsequent Analysis of Tumor Growth and Response to Therapy using Bioluminescence Imaging
Published on: July 13, 2010
Establishment and Characterization of a Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Xenograft
Zhaoying Yang1,2, Le Zhang1,2, Stefano Serra2,3
1Department of Breast Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are increasing in incidence yet the cause of these tumors remains unknown. Familial associations have shed light on the genetic basis of some of these tumors, but sporadic tumors seem to have primarily epigenetic dysregulation. The rarity of cell lines and animal models has been a barrier to studies of treatment modalities. We set out to develop a xenograft model of gastrointestinal NETs. Primary human NETs were collected at the time of surgery under sterile conditions and xenografted into the flanks of immunodeficient mice. Tumor growth was measured and when tumors reached 1500 mm(3), they were excised and half was re-xenografted through multiple generations. The other half was bisected; a part was frozen and a part was fixed for morphologic and immunohistochemical characterization as well as molecular validation of fidelity of a successful xenograft. Of 106 human NETs, seven were successfully engrafted of which only one tumor was successfully propagated for eight passages. Two years later, the tumor retains its neuroendocrine features and similarity to the original primary human tumor. It has retained expression of keratin as well as chromogranin A reactivity. The establishment of a NET xenograft provides a model for further study of the biological behavior of these tumors and can be used to examine the in vivo effects of various medical and targeted radiotherapeutic agents on tumor growth.
Insights
Researchers developed a new animal model for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) by successfully xenografting human tumors into mice. This model preserves tumor features, aiding future NETs treatment research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Medicine
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) incidence is rising, but their etiology is largely unknown, with sporadic cases potentially linked to epigenetic changes.
- Limited availability of cell lines and animal models hinders research into NETs treatment modalities.
- Developing reliable models is crucial for understanding NETs biology and testing therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a functional xenograft model of human gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).
- To validate the fidelity and long-term stability of the xenograft model.
- To provide a platform for preclinical studies of NETs.
Main Methods:
- Primary human NETs were surgically collected and xenografted into immunodeficient mice.
- Tumor growth was monitored, and successful grafts were re-xenografted through multiple passages.
- Xenografted tumors underwent morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular analyses to confirm fidelity to the original human tumor.
Main Results:
- Out of 106 human NETs, seven were successfully engrafted, with one tumor propagated for eight passages.
- The established xenograft model maintained key neuroendocrine features and expressed keratin and chromogranin A, similar to the primary human tumor.
- The model demonstrated stability over two years, retaining critical biological characteristics.
Conclusions:
- A successful and stable xenograft model for gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors has been established.
- This model serves as a valuable preclinical tool for investigating NETs biology.
- The model facilitates the evaluation of novel therapeutic agents, including targeted radiotherapeutic strategies, in vivo.
