Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol.  2009 Jun;2(2):55-60. 10.3342/ceo.2009.2.2.55.

Animal Models of Cancer in the Head and Neck Region

• Kim S

• KMID: 2007185
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/ceo.2009.2.2.55

Abstract

Animal models that resemble the cancers of the head and neck region are of paramount importance in studying the carcinogenesis of these diseases. Although several methods for modeling cancer in the head and neck are available, none are fully satisfactory. Subcutaneous xenograft models of cancer in nude mice are often used in preclinical studies. However, these models are problematic in several aspects as they lack the specific interactions that exist between the tumor cells and their native environment. Establishment of tumors at the orthotopic sites restore these distinct patterns of interactions between the tumor and the host organs that are lost or altered when the tumors are established in ectopic sites. With regard to the transgenic model of cancer in the head and neck region, it should be kept in mind that the transgene used to drive the malignant transformation may not be representative of the carcinogenic process found in human tumors. Low penetrance of tumor formation also translates into high cost and time commitment in performing studies with transgenic models. In this review, we will discuss some of the commonly used methods for modeling cancer in the head and neck region including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck as well as thyroid carcinoma.

Keyword

Head and neck cancer; Animal model; Thyroid carcinoma; Trangenic; Orthotopic xenograft

MeSH Terms

Animals
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Head
Head and Neck Neoplasms
Humans
Mice
Mice, Nude
Models, Animal
Neck
Penetrance
Thyroid Neoplasms
Transgenes
Transplantation, Heterologous
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Head and Neck Neoplasms

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Invasion of the thyroid gland by tumor (asterisk). (A) H&E stain, original magnification ×40, (B) H&E stain, original magnification ×100.

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) Axial section of the larynx showing tumor (asterisk) invasion of the paraglottic space via erosion through the inferior constrictor muscles posterior to the thyroid cartilage. (B) Tracheal invasion evident by the nest of tumor cells (asterisk) interpositioned between the tracheal mucosa and cartilage. (C) Pulmonary metastasis. (D) Cervical lymph node with subcapsular metastatic tumor. (A to D: H&E stain, original magnification ×40).

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