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Updated: Jul 13, 2025
Using the Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane In Vivo Model to Study Gynecological and Urological Cancers
Published on: January 28, 2020
Exploration of Chick Embryo and Chorioallantoic Membrane on Imaging Navigated Platforms for Anticancer Pharmaceutical
Lei Chen1, Mingyuan Yuan2, Xinqi Zhang3
1KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Conforming to the current replace-reduce-refine 3Rs' guidelines in animal experiments, a series of explorative efforts have been made to set up operable biomedical imaging-guided platforms for qualitative and quantitative evaluations on pharmacological effects of tumor vascular-disrupting agents (VDAs), based on the chick embryos (CEs) with its chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), in this overview. The techniques and platforms have been hierarchically elaborated, from macroscopic to microscopic and from overall to specific aspects. A protocol of LED lamplight associated with a new deep-learning algorithm was consolidated to screen out weak CEs by using the CAM vasculature imaging. 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) to monitor the evolution of CE and vascular changes in CAM are introduced. A LSCI-CAM platform for studying the effects of VDAs on normal and cancerous vasculature of CAM and possible molecular mechanisms has been demonstrated. Finally, practical challenges and future perspectives are highlighted. The aim of this article is to help peers in biomedical research to familiarize with the CAM platform and to optimize imaging protocols for the evaluation of vasoactive pharmaceuticals, especially anticancer vascular targeted therapy.
Insights
This study introduces chick embryo models using advanced imaging to evaluate tumor vascular-disrupting agents (VDAs). These platforms offer a 3Rs-compliant method for assessing drug efficacy in preclinical cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Preclinical Pharmacology
- Animal Models in Research
Background:
- The 3Rs guidelines (Replace, Reduce, Refine) necessitate innovative animal experiment alternatives.
- Evaluating tumor vascular-disrupting agents (VDAs) requires precise and ethical preclinical models.
- Chick embryos (CEs) offer a promising platform for studying vascular development and drug effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and detail biomedical imaging-guided platforms for evaluating VDAs in chick embryos.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of techniques for qualitative and quantitative assessment of VDA pharmacological effects.
- To facilitate the adoption of the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model for VDA research.
Main Methods:
- Development of a deep-learning algorithm with LED lamplight for screening weak CEs via CAM vasculature imaging.
- Utilization of 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) to monitor CE and CAM vascular changes.
- Demonstration of a LSCI-CAM platform for studying VDA effects on normal and cancerous vasculature.
Main Results:
- Consolidation of an LED lamplight and deep-learning protocol for efficient CE screening.
- Successful application of MRI and LSCI for monitoring dynamic vascular changes in CAM.
- Establishment of a functional LSCI-CAM platform for VDA efficacy assessment.
Conclusions:
- The chick embryo CAM model, coupled with advanced imaging techniques, provides a viable and ethical platform for VDA evaluation.
- Optimized imaging protocols can enhance the study of vasoactive pharmaceuticals, particularly in anticancer vascular targeted therapy.
- This work supports researchers in adopting and refining imaging strategies for preclinical drug development.
