Metastasis in the wild: investigating metastasis in non-laboratory animals.

ABSTRACT: Humans are not the only species to spontaneously develop metastatic cancer as cases of metastasis have been reported in a wide range of animals, including dinosaurs. Mouse models have been an invaluable tool in experimental and clinical metastasis research, with the use of genetically-engineered mouse models that spontaneously develop metastasis or ectopic/orthotopic transplantation of tumour cells to wildtype or immunodeficient mice being responsible for many key advances in our understanding of metastasis. However, are there other species that can also be relevant models? Similarities to humans in terms of environmental exposures, life-span, genetics, histopathology and available therapeutics are all factors that can be considered when looking at species other than the laboratory mouse.

SUBMITTER: Abu-Helil B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6394581 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature