Modelling cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma for laboratory research

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Translational Research
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) causes significant patient morbidity due to its potential for progression and metastasis.
• The molecular mechanisms driving cSCC pathogenesis remain incompletely understood.
• There is a critical need for preclinical models that accurately replicate cSCC invasion and nodal spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze existing preclinical models for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
• To assess the utility of various models in recapitulating key hallmarks of cSCC, including invasion and metastasis.
• To discuss the advantages, limitations, and future directions for cSCC preclinical modeling.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on cSCC preclinical models.
• Categorization of models including 2D/3D tissue cultures, syngeneic mice, transgenic mice, and xenografts (cell line-derived and patient-derived).
• Analysis of studies utilizing these models to evaluate their recapitulation of cSCC hallmarks.

Main Results:

• Various models exist, each with specific strengths and weaknesses in mimicking cSCC.
• Tissue cultures, syngeneic/transgenic mice, and xenografts offer different levels of complexity and relevance.
• Model selection impacts the ability to study specific aspects of cSCC, such as invasion and metastasis.

Conclusions:

• No single model perfectly recapitulates all aspects of human cSCC.
• Patient-derived xenografts and advanced 3D cultures show promise for modeling invasion and metastasis.
• Further development and strategic use of diverse preclinical models are essential for advancing cSCC research and therapy.