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Updated: Aug 26, 2025
Using the Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane In Vivo Model to Study Gynecological and Urological Cancers
Published on: January 28, 2020
[The hen embryo: An alternative preclinical model in cancer]
Brigitte Sola1, Mélody Caillot1
1Normandie Univ, Inserm U1245, université de Caen, F-14000, Caen, France.
Abstract:
For therapeutic purposes, the development of new anti-cancer drugs requires their evaluation in terms of activity, cytotoxicity and pharmacokinetics. The candidate drugs are tested in vitro on cell lines and primary cells isolated from patients, and in vivo, often, using xenografts in immuno-compromised mice. In recent years, administrative constraints have become increasingly stringent and the 3R rule (reduce, refine, replace) requires the elaboration of alternative models capable to replace mouse models or at least to limit their use. Among them, xenograft on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM assay) seems particularly efficient. It makes it possible to monitor and quantify tumor growth and tumor-associated parameters such as neoangiogenesis, invasion and migration. It allows the screening of drugs effective both on tumor cells and their microenvironment. Finally, the model seems adapted to the development of personalized medicine to which current research in cancerology is tending. In this context, this review focuses on the technique itself and its advantages.
Insights
The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay offers an efficient alternative to mouse xenografts for evaluating anti-cancer drugs. This model aids in assessing drug activity, tumor growth, and personalized medicine approaches.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Drug Development
- In Vivo Models
Background:
- Evaluating new anti-cancer drugs requires assessing activity, cytotoxicity, and pharmacokinetics.
- Current in vitro and mouse xenograft models face increasing administrative constraints and ethical considerations (3Rs rule).
- There is a need for alternative models to reduce, refine, and replace animal testing in drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay as an alternative to mouse xenografts.
- To highlight the advantages of the CAM assay in anti-cancer drug evaluation.
- To discuss the CAM assay's potential in advancing personalized cancer medicine.
Main Methods:
- The review focuses on the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay technique.
- The CAM assay involves xenografting tumor cells onto the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane.
- This method allows for in vivo monitoring and quantification of tumor growth and associated parameters.
Main Results:
- The CAM assay enables monitoring and quantification of tumor growth, neoangiogenesis, invasion, and migration.
- It facilitates the screening of drugs targeting both tumor cells and their microenvironment.
- The model is adaptable for developing personalized medicine strategies in cancer research.
Conclusions:
- The CAM assay presents an efficient and advantageous alternative to mouse xenografts for anti-cancer drug development.
- This model supports comprehensive evaluation of drug efficacy and mechanisms.
- The CAM assay is well-suited for the progression towards personalized cancer therapy.
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