Precision animal models of tumors: Advances, challenges and clinical translation

Area of Science:

• Immunotherapy
• Oncology
• Translational Research

Background:

• Preclinical immunotherapy research heavily utilizes animal tumor models.
• These models include genetically engineered, carcinogen-induced, spontaneous, and humanized transplantation platforms.
• Current models face limitations in clinical translational utility due to species differences, incomplete immune reconstitution, and ethical concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current approaches in animal tumor models for preclinical immunotherapy.
• To systematically catalog the strengths and limitations of existing models.
• To propose integrated solutions for enhancing the clinical translational utility of these models.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current approaches in animal tumor models.
• Systematic cataloging of model strengths and limitations.
• Proposal of integrated solutions including multi-omics, AI, standardized protocols, and consortia.

Main Results:

• Identified four main categories of animal tumor models.
• Highlighted limitations of current models, including species differences and ethical concerns.
• Proposed integrated solutions for improved preclinical research and clinical translation.

Conclusions:

• Future research should focus on next-generation humanized platforms and virtual digital tumor models.
• Accelerating clinical translation requires rigorous cross-species validation.
• Integrated solutions incorporating multi-omics, AI, and international collaboration are crucial for advancing immunotherapy research.