Pigs as models of human cancers
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Published on: January 28, 2020
Tatiana Flisikowska1, Alexander Kind1, Angelika Schnieke1
1Chair of Livestock Biotechnology, Scholl of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany.
Abstract:
Recent decades have seen revolutionary advances in our understanding of cancer, with the molecular mechanisms underlying many human cancers now reasonably well understood. The challenge now is to bridge the gap between laboratory and clinical oncology, so these accomplishments can be translated into practical benefits for human patients. Although genetically modified mice are powerful tools to investigate the molecular basis of many human diseases, they are less suitable for many preclinical studies. Other animals can provide important complementary resources to aid the development, validation, and application of new medicines and procedures. Powerful methods of genetic engineering have now been extended to physiologically more relevant species, particularly the pig, opening the prospect of more representative, genetically defined, cancer models at human scale. Here, we provide a brief review of the genetically modified porcine cancer models described in the scientific literature.
Insights
Genetically engineered pigs offer a more human-relevant model for cancer research, bridging the gap between lab discoveries and clinical applications for new cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Animal Models
Background:
- Significant advancements in understanding cancer's molecular mechanisms.
- Need to translate laboratory findings into clinical oncology for patient benefit.
- Limitations of current animal models, like mice, for preclinical studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review genetically modified porcine cancer models.
- Highlight the potential of pigs as physiologically relevant models for cancer research.
- Discuss the application of these models in developing and validating new cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on genetically modified porcine cancer models.
- Analysis of the suitability of pigs for preclinical cancer studies.
- Exploration of genetic engineering techniques applied to pigs for cancer modeling.
Main Results:
- Genetic engineering methods are now applicable to pigs, enabling the creation of large-scale, genetically defined cancer models.
- Pigs offer a more physiologically relevant alternative to traditional animal models for cancer research.
- These porcine models hold promise for improving the preclinical evaluation of cancer medicines and procedures.
Conclusions:
- Genetically modified pigs represent a significant advancement in preclinical cancer research.
- Porcine cancer models can facilitate the translation of molecular discoveries into clinical applications.
- Further development and utilization of these models are crucial for advancing cancer treatment strategies.
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