Heterotransplantation Of A Human Malignant Tumour To "Nude" Mice

Organoids as preclinical models of human disease: progress and applications

In the field of biomedical research, organoids represent a remarkable advancement that has the potential to revolutionize our approach to studying human diseases even before clinical trials. Organoids are essentially miniature 3D models of specific organs or tissues, enabling scientists to investigate the causes of diseases, test new drugs, and explore personalized medicine within a controlled laboratory setting. Over the past decade, organoid technology has made substantial progress, allowing researchers to create highly detailed environments that closely mimic the human body. These organoids can be generated from various sources, including pluripotent stem cells, specialized tissue cells, and tumor tissue cells. This versatility enables scientists to replicate a wide range of diseases affecting different organ systems, effectively creating disease replicas in a laboratory dish. This exciting capability has provided us with unprecedented insights into the progression of diseases and how we can develop improved treatments. In this paper, we will provide an overview of the progress made in utilizing organoids as preclinical models, aiding our understanding and providing a more effective approach to addressing various human diseases.

Progress in construction of mouse models to investigate the pathogenesis and immune therapy of human hematological malignancy

Hematological malignancy is a disease arisen by complicate reasons that seriously endangers human health. The research on its pathogenesis and therapies depends on the usage of animal models. Conventional animal model cannot faithfully mirror some characteristics of human features due to the evolutionary divergence, whereas the mouse models hosting human hematological malignancy are more and more applied in basic as well as translational investigations in recent years. According to the construction methods, they can be divided into different types (e.g. cell-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft model (PDX) model) that have diverse characteristics and application values. In addition, a variety of strategies have been developed to improve human hematological malignant cell engraftment and differentiation in vivo. Moreover, the humanized mouse model with both functional human immune system and autologous human hematological malignancy provides a unique tool for the evaluation of the efficacy of novel immunotherapeutic drugs/approaches. Herein, we first review the evolution of the mouse model of human hematological malignancy; Then, we analyze the characteristics of different types of models and summarize the ways to improve the models; Finally, the way and value of humanized mouse model of human immune system in the immunotherapy of human hematological malignancy are discussed.

Opportunities and challenges of patient-derived models in cancer research: patient-derived xenografts, patient-derived organoid and patient-derived cells

Background

As reported, preclinical animal models differ greatly from the human body. The evaluation model may be the colossal obstacle for scientific research and anticancer drug development. Therefore, it is essential to propose efficient evaluation systems similar to clinical practice for cancer research.

Main body

While it has emerged for decades, the development of patient-derived xenografts, patient-derived organoid and patient-derived cell used to be limited. As the requirements for anticancer drug evaluation increases, patient-derived models developed rapidly recently, which is widely applied in basic research, drug development, and clinical application and achieved remarkable progress. However, there still lack systematic comparison and summarize reports for patient-derived models. In the current review, the development, applications, strengths, and challenges of patient-derived models in cancer research were characterized.

Conclusion

Patient-derived models are an indispensable approach for cancer research and human health.

[Cell cultures of human CNS tumors as in vitro model for individualized therapeutic approach]

Tumor cell lines and cultures are widely used in biomedical research. They are excellent model systems for analysis of oncological mechanisms and understanding the biology of tumor cells. Cell cultures are used to develop and test new anticancer drugs, radiosensitizers and radiotherapy methods. Clinical application of tumor cell cultures is directly related to development of personalized medicine. Using tumor cell culture in a particular patient, physicians can select treatment considering molecular genetic characteristics of patient and tumor. In addition, it is possible to choose the optimal drug or radiotherapy regimen with obvious effectiveness in certain cell culture. This review describes the advantages of such an approach.

Patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models of sarcoma

Sarcoma is a rare and recalcitrant malignancy. Although immune and novel targeted therapies have been tested on many cancer types, few sarcoma patients have had durable responses with such therapy. Doxorubicin and cisplatinum are still first-line chemotherapy after four decades. Our laboratory has established the patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model using surgical orthotopic implantation (SOI). Many promising results have been obtained using the sarcoma PDOX model for identifying effective approved drugs and experimental therapeutics, as well as combinations of them for individual patients. In this review, we present our laboratory's experience with PDOX models of sarcoma, and the ability of the PDOX models to identify effective approved agents, as well as experimental therapeutics.

Translational Animal Models for Liver Cancer

Animal models have become increasingly important in the study of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as they serve as a critical bridge between laboratory-based discoveries and human clinical trials. Developing an ideal animal model for translational use is challenging, as the perfect model must be able to reproduce human disease genetically, anatomically, physiologically, and pathologically. This brief review provides an overview of the animal models currently available for translational liver cancer research, including rodent, rabbit, non-human primate, and pig models, with a focus on their respective benefits and shortcomings. While small animal models offer a solid starting point for investigation, large animal HCC models are becoming increasingly important for translation of preclinical results to clinical practice.

Advances in the development of improved animal-free models for use in breast cancer biomedical research

Through translational research, the outcomes for women (and men) diagnosed with breast cancer have improved significantly, with now over 80% of women surviving for at least 5 years post-diagnosis. Much of this success has been translated from the bench to the bedside using laboratory models. Here, we outline the types of laboratory models that have helped achieve this and discuss new approaches as we move towards animal-free disease modelling.

Barriers to generating PDX models of HPV-related head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Delineate factors impacting the creation and use of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) of human papilloma virus-related (HPV+) head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs).

STUDY DESIGN

Laboratory-based translational study.

METHODS

Fifty-one surgically resected HNSCCs, including 31 HPV + cancers, were implanted into NOD/SCID/IL-2Rγ^-/- (NSG) mice using standardized methodology. Clinical and pathologic factors were tested for association with engraftment. The gross, histologic, and molecular features of established HPV + PDXs were analyzed in comparison to their tumors of origin.

RESULTS

Negative HPV status and perineural invasion (PNI) were independent, additive factors associated with increased PDX formation. Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) human large B-cell lymphomas grew from 32% of HPV + HNSCC cases that failed to engraft. Successfully established HPV + PDXs retained basaloid histology and often developed cystic growth patterns typical of HPV + nodal metastases. They also maintained elevated p16^INK4A levels and expression of E6/E7 viral oncogene transcripts.

CONCLUSION

Reduced engraftment by HPV + tumors lacking PNI likely results in selection biases in HNSCC PDX models. Formation of EBV + lymphomas in NSG mice further reduces the generation of HPV + models and must be ruled out before long-term use of PDXs. Nevertheless, the retention of distinctive pathologic traits and viral oncogene expression by HPV + PDXs provides a viable in vivo platform for basic and translational studies as well as a resource for generating advanced in vitro models.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:2777-2783, 2017.

In vivo models in breast cancer research: progress, challenges and future directions

Research using animal model systems has been instrumental in delivering improved therapies for breast cancer, as well as in generating new insights into the mechanisms that underpin development of the disease. A large number of different models are now available, reflecting different types and stages of the disease; choosing which one to use depends on the specific research question(s) to be investigated. Based on presentations and discussions from leading experts who attended a recent workshop focused on in vivo models of breast cancer, this article provides a perspective on the many varied uses of these models in breast cancer research, their strengths, associated challenges and future directions. Among the questions discussed were: how well do models represent the different stages of human disease; how can we model the involvement of the human immune system and microenvironment in breast cancer; what are the appropriate models of metastatic disease; can we use models to carry out preclinical drug trials and identify pathways responsible for drug resistance; and what are the limitations of patient-derived xenograft models? We briefly outline the areas where the existing breast cancer models require improvement in light of the increased understanding of the disease process, reflecting the drive towards more personalised therapies and identification of mechanisms of drug resistance.

Modeling Natural Killer Cell Targeted Immunotherapies

Animal models have extensively contributed to our understanding of human immunobiology and to uncover the underlying pathological mechanisms occurring in the development of diseases. However, mouse models do not reproduce the genetic and molecular complexity inherent in human disease conditions. Human immune system (HIS) mouse models that are susceptible to human pathogens and can recapitulate human hematopoiesis and tumor immunobiology provide one means to bridge the interspecies gap. Natural killer cells are the founding member of the innate lymphoid cell family. They exert a rapid and strong immune response against tumor and pathogen-infected cells. Their antitumor features have long been exploited for therapeutic purposes in the context of cancer. In this review, we detail the development of highly immunodeficient mouse strains and the models currently used in cancer research. We summarize the latest improvements in adoptive natural killer (NK) cell therapies and the development of novel NK cell sources. Finally, we discuss the advantages of HIS mice to study the interactions between human NK cells and human cancers and to develop new therapeutic strategies.

Salmonella Manipulation of Host Signaling Pathways Provokes Cellular Transformation Associated with Gallbladder Carcinoma

Cancer is fueled by deregulation of signaling pathways in control of cellular growth and proliferation. These pathways are also targeted by infectious pathogens en route to establishing infection. Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is frequent in the Indian subcontinent, with chronic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi infection reported as a significant risk factor. However, direct association and causal mechanisms between Salmonella Typhi infection and GBC have not been established. Deconstructing the epidemiological association between GBC and Salmonella Typhi infection, we show that Salmonella enterica induces malignant transformation in predisposed mice, murine gallbladder organoids, and fibroblasts, with TP53 mutations and c-MYC amplification. Mechanistically, activation of MAPK and AKT pathways, mediated by Salmonella enterica effectors secreted during infection, is critical to both ignite and sustain transformation, consistent with observations in GBC patients from India. Collectively, our findings indicate that Salmonella enterica can promote transformation of genetically predisposed cells and is a causative agent of GBC.

Modeling High-Grade Serous Carcinoma: How Converging Insights into Pathogenesis and Genetics are Driving Better Experimental Platforms

Recent developments in the study of epithelial ovarian cancer have called into question the traditional views regarding the site of tumor initiation. Histopathologic studies and genomic analyses suggest that extra-ovarian sites, like the fallopian tube, may harbor the coveted cell of origin and could therefore contribute significantly to the development of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HG-SOC). Our ability to validate these emerging genomic and pathologic observations and characterize the early transformation events of HG-SOC hinges on the development of novel model systems. Currently, there are only a handful of new model systems that are addressing these concerns. This review will chronicle the convergent evolution of these ovarian cancer model systems in the context of the changing pathologic and genomic understanding of HG-SOC.

OB glue paste technique for establishing nude mouse human gastric cancer orthotopic transplantation models

AIM: To establish nude mouse human gastric cancer orthotopic transplantation models using OB glue paste technique.

METHODS: Using OB glue paste technique, orthotopic transplantation models were established by implanting SGC-7901 and MKN-45 human gastric cancer cell strains into the gastric wall of nude mice. Biological features, growth of the implanted tumors, the success rate of transplantation and the rate of auto-metastasis of the two models were observed.

RESULTS: The success rates of orthotopic transplan-tation of the two models were 94.20% and 96%. The rates of hepatic metastasis, pulmonary metastasis, peritoneal metastasis, lymphocytic metastasis and splenic metastasis were 42.13% and 94.20%, 48.43% and 57.97%, 30.83% and 36.96%, 67.30% and 84.06%, and 59.75% and 10.53%, respectively. The occurrence of ascites was 47.80% and 36.96%.

CONCLUSION: OB glue paste technique is easy to follow. The biological behaviors of the nude mouse human gastric cancer orthotopic transplantation models established with this technique are similar to the natural processes of growth and metastasis of human gastric cancer, and, therefore, can be used as an ideal model for experimental research of proliferative metastasis of tumors.