Towards an optimal model for gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis: current challenges and future directions

EBioMedicine. 2023 Jun:92:104601. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104601. Epub 2023 May 12.

Abstract

Peritoneal metastasis is a challenging aspect of clinical practice for gastric cancer. Animal models are crucial in understanding molecular mechanisms, assessing drug efficacy, and conducting clinical intervention studies, including those related to gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis. Unlike other xenograft models, peritoneal metastasis models should not only present tumor growth at the transplant site, but also recapitulate tumor cell metastasis in the abdominal cavity. Developing a reliable model of gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis involves several technical aspects, such as the selection of model animals, source of xenograft tumors, technology of transplantation, and dynamic monitoring of the tumor progression. To date, challenges remain in developing a reliable model that can completely recapitulate peritoneal metastasis. Thus, this review aims to summarize the techniques and strategies used to establish animal models of gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis, providing a reference for future model establishment.

Keywords: Animal model; Cell line-derived xenograft (CDX); Gastric cancer; Immunodeficient mouse; Patient-derived xenograft (PDX); Peritoneal metastasis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Heterografts
  • Humans
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms* / secondary
  • Peritoneum / pathology
  • Stomach Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Transplantation, Heterologous