Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2025
Author Spotlight: Establishing a Murine Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Model for Developing Nanoformulations of Anticancer Drugs
Published on: May 10, 2024
Assessing metabolic alterations and cancer biomarkers in athymic nude mice implanted with NSCLC spheroids
Charity Mabela1, Chrisna Gouws2, Shayne Mason3
1DSI/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
Background:
Preclinical rodent models are vital in cancer research, and enhancing their relevance reduces animal use.
Aim:
The aim of this pilot study was to determine if A549 lung cancer spheroids implanted into athymic nude mice will change the serum metabolite profile and express serum cancer biomarkers.
Method:
Spheroid non-small cell carcinoma tumours were implanted into athymic nude mice. 1H-NMR metabolomics was used to evaluate the serum metabolome. Specific cancer biomarkers were determined using commercial kits.
Results:
Tumours produced significant levels of selected serum cancer biomarkers, and the implanted tumours had changed the serum metabolite profiles-mimicking human lung cancer profiles-which were significantly different from the non-cancer control. Histological analysis confirmed characteristics of solid adenocarcinomas.
Conclusion:
The A549 spheroid-derived xenograft model demonstrates promise as a feasible and physiologically relevant tool for non-small cell lung cancer research.
