Small animal metastasis model

摘要

A method for initiating metastasis of human tumor cells under experimental conditions is provided. Immunocompromised non-human mammals having a viable, xenogeneic organ or tissue are used as a host for human tumor cells. The cells are introduced into the chimeric animal after the solid tissue is implanted and are then able to grow and metastasize as they would in situ. Therapeutic regimens may be evaluated in this system to determine efficacy against metastatic processes.