Table 1 Advantages and limitations of different animal models
From: Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, applications and challenges in cancer research
Animal models | Advantages | Limitation | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
Chemical carcinogenesis | Simplicity Assess the cancer process from initiation to metastasis in order Gene analysis in different stages | Not cover all cancers Tumor rejection by host immune cell Mice lifespan isn't enough for tumor induction Concerns about long-term use of carcinogens | |
Syngeneic mouse models | Immunocompetence Simplicity High engraftment rate | Non-synonymous mutations Lack of heterogeneity The limited number of cell lines | [119] |
GEMMs | Evaluating drug responses, resistance, and toxicity Allows to answer unique biological questions | Interspecies differences Random transgenesis Genetic compensation Lethality of some mutations Complexity of disease | [120] |
Cell Line-Derived Xenograft model | Suitable for mechanism studies Rapid growth Evaluate non-targeted cytotoxic agents Available and cheap | Lack of heterogeneity Lack of immunological agents Lack of tumor micro-environmental | |
PDX models | Retain heterogeneity and mutations Tumor microenvironment Intact endocrine system Metastasis assessment Tumor biobank formation | Generated in mouse with deficient immunity Different take rates Not suitable for early-stage cancer | |
Humanized mice | Correctly mimics human tumor microenvironment Predictors of drug response in human cancer Creates a natural heterogeneity of tumor cells | Expensive technically complicated |