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An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Spontaneous Breast Cancer Metastasis
Published on: August 14, 2016
Primary human breast carcinomas transplantable in the nude mouse
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|December 1, 1979
Summary
Three of 19 human breast cancer tumors successfully grew in nude mice. These successful human breast cancer xenografts retained specific human mammary epithelial cell membrane components after multiple passages.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
- Xenotransplantation Models
Background:
- Human breast carcinomas are a significant health concern.
- Establishing reliable animal models is crucial for studying breast cancer progression and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the transplantability of primary human breast carcinomas in nude mice.
- To determine if human-specific membrane components are retained in xenografts.
Main Methods:
- Implantation of 19 primary human breast carcinomas into female nude mice.
- Monitoring tumor development and passage of successful heterotransplants.
- Analysis of membrane components in xenograft cells.
Main Results:
- Three out of 19 implanted human breast carcinomas formed transplantable tumors.
- Human mammary epithelial cell-specific membrane components were detected in the xenografts.
- These specific components persisted even after four to five passages in mice.
Conclusions:
- Nude mice can support the growth of human breast carcinoma xenografts.
- Human breast cancer xenografts maintain key cellular characteristics, including specific membrane components.
- These findings support the utility of human breast cancer xenografts in nude mice for further research.

