A new locoregional mouse model of gastric cancer for identifying probes for fluorescence guided surgery
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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Computed Tomography-guided Time-domain Diffuse Fluorescence Tomography in Small Animals for Localization of Cancer Biomarkers
Published on: July 17, 2012
Kristin E Cox1, Siamak Amirfakhri1, Thinzar M Lwin2
1Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA.
Background:
In gastric cancer, the only opportunity for a cure is with surgical resection. Fluorescence-guided surgery is an emerging field that has the potential to improve rates of R0 resections. Mouse models with patterns of disease spread that would be deemed operable in patients are required for the testing of potential fluorescence-guided surgery probes.
Methods:
One million cells of the human gastric cancer cell line MKN45 were suspended in 50 μL of phosphate-buffered saline and Matrigel and injected into the mouse stomach with a 29-gauge needle. After 8 to 12 weeks of tumor growth, mice were killed and laparotomy was performed to determine rates of tumor engraftment, local or distant spread, and involvement of celiac lymph nodes. For tumor labeling, mice were randomized to receive intravenous injection of an anti-CEA antibody (M5A), or IgG as a control, conjugated with the near-infrared dye IRDye800CW. Fluorescence imaging was performed using the LI-COR Pearl Imaging System 72 hours later.
Results:
Infiltrative tumors were identified in 76.5% (n = 34) of mice. Intra-abdominal or peritoneal metastases were seen in 23.5% and carcinomatosis was seen in 5.9% of mice. Celiac lymph node metastases were seen in 55.5% of mice. M5A-IR800 administration resulted in bright labeling of primary tumors and metastatic celiac lymph nodes. Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated incorporation of the gastric cancer cells throughout the layers of the mouse stomach and the presence of metastatic gastric cancer cells in celiac lymph nodes.
Conclusion:
This new locoregional mouse model can be used to validate additional agents for their use in fluorescence guided surgical resection of gastric cancer.
Insights
A new mouse model accurately mimics gastric cancer spread, enabling testing of fluorescence-guided surgery probes for improved R0 resections. This model aids in validating agents for enhanced surgical outcomes in gastric cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Innovation
- Preclinical Models
Background:
- Gastric cancer cure relies on surgical resection.
- Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) aims to improve R0 resection rates.
- Validated mouse models are crucial for FGS probe development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize a locoregional mouse model for gastric cancer.
- To assess tumor engraftment, spread, and lymph node metastasis.
- To evaluate the utility of fluorescence-guided imaging in this model.
Main Methods:
- MKN45 human gastric cancer cells injected into mouse stomachs.
- Tumor growth monitored for 8-12 weeks.
- Mice received anti-CEA antibody (M5A) or IgG control, conjugated with IRDye800CW for fluorescence imaging.
Main Results:
- 76.5% of mice developed infiltrative tumors.
- 55.5% showed celiac lymph node metastases.
- M5A-IR800 effectively labeled primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes.
Conclusions:
- A novel locoregional mouse model for gastric cancer has been developed.
- This model accurately recapitulates tumor spread and lymph node involvement.
- It serves as a valuable platform for validating FGS agents in gastric cancer surgery.
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