Ovarian Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ovarian Cancer, including details on symptoms, causes, treatment, information.

A novel early-stage orthotopic model for ovarian cancer in the Fischer 344 rat.

Sloan Stakleff KD, Rouse AG, Ryan AP, Haller NA, Von Gruenigen VE

Kenneth Calhoun Research Laboratory, Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio 44307, USA. kstakleff@agmc.org

The purpose of our study was to ascertain the progression of metastases in a novel ovarian cancer model designed to mimic early-stage disease by utilizing an orthotopic injection technique. Female Fischer 344 rats were injected with either 10(4) or 10(5) NuTu-19 cells by intraperitoneal or orthotopic injection. Peritoneal washings and histologic specimens were examined to correlate the incidence and extent of tumor growth. In a second phase, orthotopic injections of 10(2) and 10(3) cells were compared to that of 10(4) cells. Progression of ovarian cancer was observed by gross and microscopic examinations in both intraperitoneal and orthotopic models. Pelvic extension and abdominal adhesions uniquely characterized the orthotopically injected animals. Numbers of identifiable metastases declined with lower cell inocula, confirming that early-stage disease was extended to at least 14 days with 10(2) NuTu-19 cells. The orthotopic ovarian cancer model emulates early disease with the initiation of a primary tumor that is localized within the inherent microenvironment. The orthotopic model offers a clinically relevant alternative for future cancer research that allows for the investigation of therapeutic strategies against early stages of the disease process.

Published 12 April 2005 in Int J Gynecol Cancer, 15(2): 246-54.
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