Experimental models of hepatocellular carcinoma: developments and evolution

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. The biological mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis and progression are poorly understood. Experimental models of HCC provide valuable tools to evaluate the risk factors, new treatment modalities and biologic characteristics. Under the constant evolution in model design and technology development, new experimental models continue to emerge, including spontaneous models, induced models, viral models, transplantable models, and genetically engineered models. These models are used as tools to investigate basic biological mechanisms of growth and differentiation, oncogene function, and as systems to test new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages. The progress in HCC model construction and studies are summarized in this review.

Molecular Genetics and Genomics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

“…The results usually are comparable to that found in humans [99]. Each model appears to have its own advantages and disadvantages [100]. Recent studies, including our own, demonstrated the usefulness of modeling human cancer in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced in rats [54] as well as in genetically engineered mice [97,101].…”

Animal models as a tool in hepatocellular carcinoma research: A Review

“…Synopsis of the criteria for the "ideal" animal models to be taken under consideration when selecting and designing chemically induced models for HCC. [34][35][36][37][38]41 Advance HCC has no effective treatment or cure, despite the discovery of promising novel therapeutic drugs. The failure of treatments to improve the patients' survival should be related to tumor heterogeneity and to hepatic dysfunction.…”

Dynamic morphological examination and evaluation of biological characteristics of a multinodular liver cancer model in mice

“…2,3,6 Chemically-induced models are time-consuming. 2 Intraportal or intrasplenic injection of tumor cells requires a surgical procedure and the possibility of peritoneal seeding. 4,5 Development of transgenic mouse models is time-consuming and expensive.…”

“…4,5 Development of transgenic mouse models is time-consuming and expensive. 2,6,7 The ideal model of liver cancer should faithfully reproduce the key biological characteristics, be reliable, reproducible, affordable and easy to manipulate. 2,7,8 None of the currently available mouse models meets all the criteria of an ideal animal model, which include biological, genetic, etiological and therapeutic criteria.…”

“…2,6,7 The ideal model of liver cancer should faithfully reproduce the key biological characteristics, be reliable, reproducible, affordable and easy to manipulate. 2,7,8 None of the currently available mouse models meets all the criteria of an ideal animal model, which include biological, genetic, etiological and therapeutic criteria. 9,10 In 1999, Liu et al reported that intravenous injection of a large volume of solution at a high velocity may transfer naked DNA to the liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen, and other viscera in mice.…”