Human Tumor Xenograft Efficacy Models

Abstract

Mouse models of cancer have consistently been used to qualify new anticancer drugs for development of human clinical trials. The most used models are xenografts of human tumors grown in immunodeficient mice. Retrospective preclinical–clinical correlation studies indicate that xenograft models are very useful and the models continue to make contributions to critical clinical development choices. However, improvements must be made to increase their values. Here, we review the value and the limitations of xenograft models, and discuss how to enhance their role in developing new anticancer treatments.