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Updated: Sep 4, 2025
A Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Sporadic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: July 6, 2017
Recent advances in the development of transplanted colorectal cancer mouse models
Yu-Shen Yang1, Chu-Yun Liu1, Dan Wen2
1Department of Anaesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China.
Abstract:
Despite progress in prevention and treatment, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third most common malignancy worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer death in 2020. To evaluate various characteristics of human CRC, a variety of mouse models have been established. Transplant mouse models have distinct advantages in studying the clinical behavior and therapeutic progress of CRC. Host, xenograft, and transplantation routes are the basis of transplant mouse models. As the effects of the tumor microenvironment and the systemic environment on cancer cells are gradually revealed, 3 key elements of transplanted CRC mouse models have been revolutionized. This has led to the development of humanized mice, patient-derived xenografts, and orthotopic transplants that reflect the human systemic environment, patient's tumor of origin, and tumor growth microenvironments in immunodeficient mice, respectively. These milestone events have allowed for great progress in tumor biology and the treatment of CRC. This article reviews the evolution of these events and points out their strengths and weaknesses as innovative and useful preclinical tools to study CRC progression and metastasis and to exploit novel treatment schedules by establishing a testing platform. This review article depicts the optimal transplanted CRC mouse models and emphasizes the significance of surgical models in the study of CRC behavior and treatment response.
Insights
Transplant mouse models are crucial for studying colorectal cancer (CRC) and its treatment. Advances like humanized mice and patient-derived xenografts improve preclinical research for CRC progression and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Research
- Preclinical Models
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading global malignancy, necessitating advanced research models.
- Transplant mouse models are vital for investigating CRC clinical behavior and therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of transplanted colorectal cancer mouse models.
- To highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these models as preclinical tools.
- To identify optimal models for studying CRC progression, metastasis, and treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and novel transplanted colorectal cancer mouse models.
- Analysis of key elements: host, xenograft, and transplantation routes.
- Evaluation of humanized mice, patient-derived xenografts, and orthotopic transplants.
Main Results:
- Significant advancements in CRC research driven by humanized mice, patient-derived xenografts, and orthotopic transplants.
- These models offer improved reflection of the human systemic environment, tumor origin, and microenvironment.
- Surgical models are emphasized for their significance in studying CRC behavior and treatment.
Conclusions:
- Transplanted mouse models, particularly surgical ones, are indispensable preclinical tools for colorectal cancer research.
- These models facilitate progress in understanding tumor biology and developing novel treatment strategies.
- Optimized models are key for establishing testing platforms to accelerate CRC therapeutic development.
