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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Translational Orthotopic Models of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Published on: February 17, 2023
Tumor resection in glioblastoma mouse models: Surgical techniques and translational potential
Julie Van Nieuwenhuyze1, Aaron Ziani Zeryouh1, Stéphanie De Vleeschauwer2
1Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Surgical resection is a cornerstone of glioblastoma (GBM) treatment in patients; yet, it remains underrepresented in preclinical studies with mouse models. This narrative review analyzes the current resection techniques used in mouse GBM studies and evaluates their feasibility, reproducibility and translational relevance. A total of 27 eligible studies were included in the review and categorized by resection method: non-guided biopsy punch, non-guided freehand resection, fluorescence-guided freehand resection (using fluorescent cell lines or dyes), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided approaches. While non-guided techniques (biopsy punch or freehand) are commonly employed due to their simplicity and affordability, they lack the precision and adaptability of more advanced methods. Fluorescence-guided resection improves tumor visualization but requires costly equipment and can introduce immunological biases. So-called MRI-guided strategies remain rare, and MRI is not actually used intraoperatively. Despite technically challenging, GBM surgical resection in mice is feasible and several effective techniques are currently available. The systematic implementation of tumor resection in GBM preclinical studies could allow to more closely mimic the human scenario thereby improving the predictive value of GBM animal experiments.
Insights
Surgical resection in mouse models of glioblastoma (GBM) is crucial but underrepresented. This review evaluates mouse GBM resection techniques, finding that while feasible, standardization is needed to improve preclinical study relevance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Preclinical Research
Background:
- Surgical resection is vital for human glioblastoma (GBM) treatment.
- Preclinical GBM studies using mouse models often lack robust surgical resection methods.
- This gap limits the translational relevance of animal research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate current surgical resection techniques in mouse GBM models.
- To assess the feasibility, reproducibility, and translational relevance of these methods.
- To highlight the importance of implementing standardized resection in preclinical GBM research.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of 27 eligible studies on mouse GBM resection.
- Categorization of techniques: non-guided biopsy punch, non-guided freehand, fluorescence-guided freehand, and MRI-guided approaches.
- Evaluation of each method's precision, adaptability, cost, and potential biases.
Main Results:
- Non-guided techniques are common but lack precision.
- Fluorescence-guided resection enhances visualization but has limitations.
- MRI-guided approaches are rare and not truly intraoperative.
- Despite challenges, GBM surgical resection in mice is feasible with available techniques.
Conclusions:
- Standardizing surgical resection in preclinical GBM studies is essential.
- Improved mouse models mimicking human GBM resection will enhance predictive value.
- Further development and adoption of precise resection techniques are recommended.
