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Imaging preclinical tumour models: improving translational power
Marion de Jong1, Jeroen Essers2 and Wytske M.van Weerden3
Abstract | Recent developments and improvements of multimodal imaging methods for use in animal research have substantially strengthened the options of invivo visualization of cancer-related processes over time. Moreover, technological developments in probe synthesis and labelling have resulted in imaging probes with the potential for basic research, as well as for translational and clinical applications. In addition, more sophisticated cancer models are available to address cancer-related research questions. This Review gives an overview of developments in these three fields, with a focus on imaging approaches in animal cancer models and how these can help the translation of new therapies into the clinic.
Departments of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Room Na-610, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam,
The Netherlands.
Departments of Genetics (Cancer Genomics Centre), Radiation Oncology and Vascular Surgery, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, P.O Box 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Department of Urology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Correspondence to M.d.J. e-mail: mailto:[email protected]
Web End =m.hendriks-dejong@ mailto:[email protected]
Web End =erasmusmc.nl doi:10.1038/nrc3751 Published online 19 June 2014
In the search for a more personalized approach to cancer therapy, including tumour-specific targets for imaging and therapeutic purposes, well-defined model systems and study designs are needed to bridge the gap between promising invitro concepts and their clinical application. This transfer of knowledge from bench to bedside is often viewed as a two-step process: the translation of invitro research data to preclinical animal models and the transfer of knowledge gained from pre-clinical experimental models towards clinical practice
(FIG.1). Experimental animal models that are based on two-dimensional-cultured tumour cells inoculated in nude mice are often the initial models used to bridge the first step. Our increasing knowledge of human cancer biology in conjunction with technical improvements have contributed to the development of models that better reflect human disease, such as genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and orthotopic patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models14. These animal models are especially relevant in bridging the second step. In addition to such mouse models, other animal models and exvivo models, including the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, zebrafish embryos and fresh primary tumour slices isolated from patients, are being used...