Transplantation of human osteosarcoma into nude mouse--correlation between experiment results and prognosis of patients

We have made experiments on transplantation of human osteosarcoma into nude mice, and investigated the correlation between experiment results and prognosis of donor patients. Tumor take was observed in 36 of 60 cases (60%) in the initial transplantation, 23 cases (38.3%) in the second passage and 16 cases in the serial transfer of three passages or more. Clinical prognosis was classified into three categories and analyzed. As to the correlation between positive or negative tumor take in the 2nd passage and presence or absence of metastasis, there was a significant relationship was found between tumor take and metastasis. Then, in mice with serially transplantable tumor, the correlation between experiment results and postmetastatic prognosis was investigated. In cases with low tumor growth index, persistence of zone formation and low alkaline phosphatase level, postmetastatic prognosis was good with statistical significance. Consequently, these experiments are highly useful for prediction of clinical prognosis.