Further characterization of a transplantable murine osteogenic sarcoma

A transplantable murine osteogenic sarcoma was characterized to determine its suitability as a model for human cancer and to evaluate specific end points to study therapeutic intervention. Palpable tumors developed at implantation sites following latent periods of 8 to 21 days and grew to 3 g masses within 60 days. The tumor model was predictable in its manner of tumor growth, tumor production of alkaline phosphatase, formation of pulmonary metastases, and the survival of the host. It was found to be sensitive to treatment with cyclophosphamide and vincristine and to a lesser extent to adriamycin and 4'-epi-adriamycin. It did not show a response to treatment with cis-platinum, actinomycin D, or m-AMSA. Survival of the host is limited by the progression of metastatic disease and local control does not appreciably extend the median survival time. Thus, population survival should be used as a measure of the effectiveness of treatment of pulmonary metastases. Circulating alkaline phosphatase levels may best be used in assessing the response to treatment of the primary osteogenic sarcoma.