The relevance of animal tumour models to the preclinical screening of cytokines

Abstract

This article assesses the value of animal models in determining the mechanism of action and spectrum of activity of cytokines. It examines the merits of animal models of transplantable and metastatic tumours and the value of human xenografts grown in immunodeficient mice and discusses how well they compare with the human situation. Results from the use of five cytokines in animal models of cancer are presented.