The CAM Model—Q&A with Experts

Abstract

The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), as an extraembryonic tissue layer generated by the fusion of the chorion with the vascularized allantoic membrane, is easily accessible for manipulation. Indeed, grafting tumor cells on the CAM lets xenografts/ovografts develop in a few days for further investigations. Thus, the CAM model represents an alternative test system that is a simple, fast, and low-cost tool to study tumor growth, drug response, or angiogenesis in vivo. Recently, a new era for the CAM model in immune-oncology-based drug discovery has been opened up. Although there are many advantages offering extraordinary and unique applications in cancer research, it has also disadvantages and limitations. This review will discuss the pros and cons with experts in the field.

Drug-Free Hybrid Nanoarchitecture Modulation of the Metastatic Behavior of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in Alternative in Vivo Models

“…Indeed, the mesenchymal genes involved in cell–matrix interactions were not expressed by the 2D cultured cells. For this reason, we established an alternative in vivo model able to mimic the heterogeneity of the metastatic phenomenon: the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model . Indeed, the rapid tumor development and the easy monitoring of primary tumor and metastasis allow for multiple time point studies in compliance with 3R principles, presenting CAMs as a suitable model for metastasis evaluation.…”

“…Indeed, the rapid tumor development and the easy monitoring of primary tumor and metastasis allow for multiple time point studies in compliance with 3R principles, presenting CAMs as a suitable model for metastasis evaluation. As in the murine model, the dynamic tumor microenvironment in the CAM provides several obstacles for cancer cells to infiltrate blood or lymphatic vessels and subsequently extravasate in different parts of the CAM or of the chicken embryo . If disseminated cancer cells survive, then metastasis can develop.…”

“…CAMs are alternative biomodels able to support tumor growth while respecting the 3Rs, in accordance with the European Parliament Directive 2010/63/EU. CAMs are suitable for metastasis investigation due to the high vascularization of the membrane . Despite the poor vascularization characterizing PDAC, hematoxylin and eosin staining indicates an organized nest of tumor cells surrounded by stromal tissues and red blood cells in CAM tumor neovascularization .…”

Pharmacological Characterization of SDX-7320/Evexomostat: a Novel Methionine Aminopeptidase Type 2 Inhibitor with Anti-Tumor and Anti-Metastatic Activity

“…Because the chick embryo tumor model has been used to determine whether a drug possesses anti-metastatic activity (35), the anti-metastatic effects of SDX-7320 were determined in this model. Quantitation of human DNA in the lower chorioallantoic membrane was used as a measure of metastasis, and the results showed that SDX-7320 significantly inhibited metastasis of MDA-MB-231 tumors (Figure 6G).…”

The Chorioallantoic Membrane Xenograft Assay as a Reliable Model for Investigating the Biology of Breast Cancer

“…The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay is discussed as an alternative in vivo model that allows for tissue transplantation/engineering, minimally invasive research of cancer biology, and the susceptibility of the cancer cells to drugs [ 33 ]. Using the CAM model, functional and phenotypical characteristics (e.g., growth and dissemination potential, differentiation of cancers, mitosis and proliferation rates, and expression of clinically relevant prognostic and predictive biomarkers) can be investigated by applying cancer cell lines or patient-derived tumor tissue onto the CAM [ 34 , 35 , 36 ]. The hallmarks of cancer can be studied in a simplified manner and in a very short time compared with murine models, and because the CAM is not innervated, the inability of the chicken embryo to feel pain is assumed [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ].…”