Limits of animal models in cancer chemotherapy.

Abstract

In animals models used in cancer chemotherapy, there is a low variability in terms of sensitivity of cancer cells in vitro, plasma levels of anticancer drugs, and interhost immune responses. In contrast, human tumors (e.g., ovarian carcinoma) show much greater variability. It is suggested that greater attention should be given to the study of the variables which distinguish the clinical setting from the animal models.