Preclinical animal models for cancer research and drug discovery

Abstract

Cancer has a complex biology and has been characterized by several hallmarks during its multistep progression such as sustaining proliferation, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, stimulating angiogenesis, activation of invasion and metastasis, etc. There is an increased understanding of complex biology of cancer in the past few decades; still this disease remains the primary cause of death in developed and developing countries all over the globe. The efforts to reduce global cancer burden are mainly focused on developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools. In this process of translation, animal models play a crucial role in translating diagnostic and therapeutic innovations to human clinical trials. Animal models are historically used in medical research initially for understanding of basic anatomy and physiology till developing new treatments for various diseases including cancer. The early twentieth century has seen a dramatic increase in the use of animal models, and since then the refinements of these models are happening untiringly. The refinements or improvements in model systems are required with increase in our understanding of human and animal biology as well as disease processes. This chapter deals with anticancer drug developments before and after arrival of immunocompromised animals in cancer research and various thought processes going on during the last century with respect to anticancer drug research. The authors have touchedupon various advantages and disadvantages of model systems used in drug development. This chapter also includes current approaches towards cancer model systems along with upcoming models showing potential to expedite drug development process with reduction in attrition rate.