Animal Models to Study Cancer and Its Microenvironment.
N Mendes1,2, P Dias Carvalho3,4, F Martins3,4
1i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal. nmendes@ipatimup.pt.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|March 5, 2020
Summary
Understanding tumor microenvironment interactions is crucial for cancer progression and treatment efficacy. Animal models aid in studying these complex cancer ecosystems for therapeutic development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Tumor Microenvironment Research
Background:
- Cancers comprise genetically altered cells and a complex tumor microenvironment (TME).
- Interactions within the TME significantly influence tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment response.
- The TME includes stromal cells (immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes, neuronal cells) and the extracellular matrix.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the critical role of the tumor microenvironment in cancer development.
- To highlight the necessity of studying cancer cells alongside their microenvironment for understanding tumorigenesis.
- To underscore the impact of TME constituents on anti-cancer treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cancer biology and tumor microenvironment.
- Analysis of the role of cellular and non-cellular TME components in cancer.
- Examination of the utility of animal models (e.g., Mouse, Zebrafish, Drosophila) in cancer research.
Main Results:
- The intricate crosstalk between cancer cells and TME components is fundamental to tumor progression.
- Combined study of cancer cells and TME is essential for a comprehensive understanding of tumorigenesis.
- Animal models provide a pathophysiologic environment crucial for studying cancer development and validating treatments.
Conclusions:
- A holistic approach, integrating cancer cells and their microenvironment, is vital for advancing cancer research.
- Understanding TME dynamics is key to developing more effective cancer therapies.
- Animal models are indispensable tools for preclinical cancer research, facilitating the discovery and validation of novel treatments.
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