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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Tumor Transplantation for Assessing the Dynamics of Tumor-Infiltrating CD8+ T Cells in Mice
Published on: June 12, 2021
The growth and therapeutic response of human tumours in immune deficient mice
Abstract:
The development of techniques for growing human tumours in immune-deficient mice is reviewed. In a compilation of success-rates in grafting a series of types of human tumour into a variety of recipients there is evidence for different levels of success among the tumour types but little firm information on the comparative receptivity of different hosts. Adenocarcinomas, particularly of the colon, have done well, as have melanomas and some tumours of the nervous system. Breast carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and various sarcomas have transplanted poorly. Human tumour xenografts have been found to maintain the histological characteristics of the parent tumour and in some cases hormone production and hormone dependance have also been maintained. Evidence is accumulating on the maintainance of therapeutic sensitivity of the tumours.
Insights
Growing human tumors in mice (xenografts) shows variable success by tumor type, with adenocarcinomas and melanomas performing well. These xenografts often retain tumor characteristics and therapeutic sensitivity, aiding cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Transplantation Biology
Background:
- Human tumor xenografts in immune-deficient mice are crucial models for cancer research.
- Techniques for xenografting have advanced, but success rates vary significantly.
- Understanding host-tumor interactions is key to improving xenograft models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and success rates of human tumor xenografts in immune-deficient mice.
- To identify human tumor types that successfully engraft and maintain characteristics.
- To assess the potential of xenografts in predicting therapeutic sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Review of published literature on human tumor xenograft success rates.
- Compilation and analysis of data on tumor types and host recipients.
- Evaluation of studies reporting histological and functional maintenance of xenografts.
Main Results:
- Adenocarcinomas (especially colon), melanomas, and some nervous system tumors show higher success rates.
- Breast carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and sarcomas exhibit poor transplantation outcomes.
- Xenografts generally maintain histological features, hormone production/dependence, and therapeutic sensitivity of parent tumors.
Conclusions:
- Human tumor xenografts are valuable tools, retaining critical tumor characteristics.
- Success varies by tumor type, necessitating careful model selection.
- Evidence supports the use of xenografts for evaluating cancer therapies.
