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

Holen, I., Speirs, V., Morrissey, B. and Blyth, K. (2017) In vivo models in breast cancer research: progress, challenges and future directions. Disease Models and Mechanisms, 10(4), pp. 359-371. (doi: 10.1242/dmm.028274) (PMID:28381598) (PMCID:PMC5399571)

Abstract

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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: SEARCHBreast was funded by an Infrastructure for Impact grant from the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), UK (NC/L001004/1). Work in the corresponding author’s lab is funded by Cancer Research UK (C596/A17196).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Blyth, Professor Karen
• Authors: Holen, I., Speirs, V., Morrissey, B., and Blyth, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Disease Models and Mechanisms
• Publisher: Company of Biologists
• ISSN: 1754-8403
• ISSN (Online): 1754-8411
• Published Online: 05 April 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 The Company of Biologists Ltd
• First Published: First published in Disease Models and Mechanisms 10(4): 359-371
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License