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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Murine Model for Non-invasive Imaging to Detect and Monitor Ovarian Cancer Recurrence
Published on: November 2, 2014
Clinically Relevant Transplantable Tumor Models for Studying Metastatic Ovarian Cancer and Therapeutic Response in
Megha J Pandya1, Fatimah Alfaran1, Ayokunnumi Ogunsanya1
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Abstract:
Metastatic ovarian cancer is an extremely lethal gynecologic malignancy that lacks effective treatment options. Development of clinically translatable therapeutic approaches for ovarian cancer patients is contingent on understanding factors that drive ovarian cancer metastasis. While most solid tumors exhibit hematogenous metastasis, ovarian cancer cells spread primarily through the intraperitoneal route. This process involves detachment and shedding of cancer cells from the primary tumor into the peritoneal cavity, which then acquire properties that enable them to resist anoikis and form multicellular aggregates. These cell aggregates then attach to and invade the mesothelial lining of the peritoneum, forming metastatic lesions. Clinically relevant in vivo models are essential for understanding how cellular factors and the tumor microenvironment impact the different steps in the metastatic process and for testing novel therapeutic strategies. Two transplantable mouse tumor models widely used to study ovarian cancer metastasis and therapeutic response are the intraperitoneal and intrabursal models. In this report, we describe the step-by-step methodology for establishing these models and highlight their advantages and limitations. Additionally, we describe how to use bioluminescent imaging to non-invasively monitor tumor progression using these models.
Insights
Understanding ovarian cancer metastasis is key to developing new treatments. This study details mouse models for studying intraperitoneal spread and therapeutic responses, aiding clinical translation.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Cancer Metastasis Research
- Translational Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Metastatic ovarian cancer is a lethal malignancy with limited treatment options.
- Ovarian cancer metastasis primarily occurs via the intraperitoneal route, involving anoikis resistance and multicellular aggregate formation.
- Understanding the mechanisms of ovarian cancer spread is crucial for developing effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe methodologies for establishing and utilizing intraperitoneal and intrabursal mouse models for ovarian cancer metastasis research.
- To highlight the advantages and limitations of these in vivo models.
- To demonstrate the application of bioluminescent imaging for monitoring tumor progression in these models.
Main Methods:
- Detailed step-by-step protocols for establishing transplantable intraperitoneal and intrabursal mouse models.
- Methodology for non-invasive monitoring of tumor progression using bioluminescent imaging.
- Description of how these models facilitate the study of cellular factors and tumor microenvironment in metastasis.
Main Results:
- Established and validated intraperitoneal and intrabursal mouse models for studying ovarian cancer metastasis.
- Demonstrated the utility of bioluminescent imaging for tracking tumor growth and spread in vivo.
- Provided insights into the advantages and limitations of each model for preclinical research.
Conclusions:
- Intraperitoneal and intrabursal mouse models are valuable tools for investigating ovarian cancer metastasis and evaluating therapeutic strategies.
- Bioluminescent imaging offers a non-invasive method for monitoring disease progression in these models.
- These models are essential for advancing the development of clinically translatable treatments for ovarian cancer.
