Types and quality of animals in cancer research

In addition to studies in man, animal models may serve as important tools in the detection of the etiology, biology and treatment of certain types of human cancers. Various models have become available by performing life span studies on 2 rat strains, viz WAG/Rij, BN/Bi and (WAG x BN) F1 hybrid and on Praomys natalensis. Several of these models are described. A basic prerequisite for these types of studies is the availability of animals of good quality. After a general description of the quality of laboratory animals the desirable health status of animals in cancer research is discussed.