Metastatic cancer models are crucial for studying tumor progression, immune system interactions, and drug resistance in cancers that spread beyond the primary tumor site. These models help in evaluating:
1) Mechanisms of metastasis (e.g., epithelial-mesenchymal transition, circulating tumor cells).
2) Therapies targeting metastatic disease (e.g., anti-metastatic agents, immunotherapies).
3) Tumor microenvironment (TME) influences on metastasis.
MuriPhys is uniquely positioned to conduct high-quality metastatic cancer studies with expertise in experimental metastasis techniques such as intravenous, intracardiac, and orthotopic injections. Our in vivo imaging capabilities, including bioluminescence and fluorescence, enable real-time monitoring of tumor spread and treatment response. With advanced surgical skills, and precision drug administration, MuriPhys provides a comprehensive platform for studying the complexity of metastatic disease in translational oncology research.
Metastatic models can be developed using syngeneic, xenograft, and genetically engineered approaches. Below are different types of metastatic models commonly used by MuriPhys researchers categorized by their methodology and applications.
Types of Metastatic Models
A. Spontaneous Metastasis Models
- Tumor cells or tissues are implanted at the primary tumor site (e.g., breast, lung, pancreas).
- Tumor metastasizes naturally over time to secondary organs.
- Best for studying metastasis dynamics and immune interactions.
- Common models:
- 4T1 breast cancer (BALB/c mouse) → Metastasizes to lung, liver, brain.
- B16-F10 melanoma (C57BL/6 mouse) → Metastasizes to lung.
- LLC1 lung cancer (C57BL/6 mouse) → Metastasizes to lung and liver.
- Panc02 pancreatic cancer (C57BL/6 mouse) → Metastasizes to liver.
B. Experimental (Injection-Based) Metastasis Models
- Tumor cells are injected directly into circulation or specific organs to induce metastasis.
- Faster metastasis development compared to spontaneous models.
- Routes of injection:
- Intravenous (IV) → Lung metastases (e.g., B16-F10 melanoma).
- Intracardiac (IC) → Bone, brain, and systemic metastases.
- Intrasplenic (IS) → Liver metastases (e.g., colorectal cancer).
- Intraperitoneal (IP) → Ovarian cancer dissemination.
C. Orthotopic Metastasis Models
- Tumor cells are implanted in the organ of origin to better recapitulate tumor behavior.
- Allows for natural invasion and metastasis to distant organs.
- Common models:
- Breast cancer (4T1, MDA-MB-231) → Lung, brain metastases.
- Pancreatic cancer (Panc02, PDX models) → Liver metastases.
- Glioblastoma (GL261, patient-derived glioma models) → Brain invasion.
D. Genetically Engineered Metastatic Models (GEMMs)
- Mice engineered to develop spontaneous tumors that metastasize naturally.
- Oncogene activation, such as KRAS or MYC, and tumor-suppressor alterations, such as p53 or PTEN, can drive tumor development. Metastatic behavior depends on the specific model.
- Examples:
- MMTV-PyMT (breast cancer, C57BL/6 mouse) → Lung metastases.
- KPC model (pancreatic cancer, KRAS^G12D/p53^R172H, C57BL/6) → Liver, lung metastases.
Advanced Drug Administration & Serial Injections
We specialize in the following routes of administration:
Intravenous (IV), Intramuscular (IM), Subcutaneous (SC), Intrathecal (IT), Intra Peritoneal (IP), Oral Gavage (PO), Topical, Slow-infusion and Continuous Infusions – supporting accurate systemic or localized therapeutic exposure.
Serial Injections – Enabling longitudinal drug administration studies to monitor treatment effects over time.
Quality Control: Mycoplasma Testing
Cell-line quality control includes mycoplasma testing to identify contamination. The testing plan, cell identity checks and acceptance criteria are defined for the study and documented with the work.
At MuriPhys, we are dedicated to accelerating oncology drug discovery with specialized preclinical solutions. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your oncology research!
Discuss the tumor model, treatment strategy, readouts and study stage with our oncology team. We will work with you to define the methods, controls, deliverables, timing and budget.