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Role of murine tumor models in cancer treatment research
Abstract:
Two major factors have contributed to a widely held disenchantment with murine tumor models for drug screening in cancer research: (a) the higher costs of these models in comparison to studies performed with tumor cells in vitro; and (b) the perception that these models have failed to demonstrate satisfactory correlation of chemosensitivity with analogous human tumor types; i.e., murine tumors generally have proved to be sensitive to many more agents than are found to be active in the clinic. The perceived failure of the murine models is discussed with particular reference to the difference in criteria used for evaluating drug sensitivity in murine tumor models versus clinical trials, and we conclude that the perception about murine models is not tenable in light of present information. The very important role of murine tumor models in optimizing dosage and administration schedules and, most importantly, in the development of a new drug to its most useful potential in combination chemotherapy is discussed. The value of this in vivo methodology is stressed.
Insights
Murine tumor models are valuable for cancer drug screening, despite concerns about cost and correlation with human tumors. Re-evaluation of drug sensitivity criteria shows their continued importance in optimizing treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Murine tumor models are widely used in cancer research for drug screening.
- Concerns exist regarding their cost and predictive accuracy for human chemosensitivity.
- A perceived lack of correlation with clinical outcomes has led to disenchantment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the perceived failure of murine tumor models in cancer drug screening.
- To address the discrepancy in drug sensitivity evaluation criteria between murine models and clinical trials.
- To re-emphasize the utility of in vivo murine models in drug development.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of drug sensitivity assessment in murine models versus human clinical trials.
- Review of existing literature and data on the performance of murine tumor models.
- Discussion of criteria used for evaluating drug efficacy in preclinical and clinical settings.
Main Results:
- The perception of murine model failure is not supported by current data when appropriate criteria are applied.
- Murine models demonstrate significant value in optimizing drug dosage and administration schedules.
- These models are crucial for developing effective combination chemotherapy strategies.
Conclusions:
- The perceived limitations of murine tumor models are based on a misunderstanding of evaluation criteria.
- Murine models remain indispensable tools for advancing cancer drug development and combination therapies.
- Continued use of in vivo murine models is essential for maximizing a drug's therapeutic potential.