Obesity and Endometrial Cancer: Mouse Models for Preclinical Prevention Studies

Abstract

Endometrial cancer risk is more strongly associated with obesity than any other cancer type and it is estimated that well over half of endometrial cancer cases in the US are attributable to being overweight and obese. The evaluation of new therapeutic regimens for the prevention and treatment of human endometrial cancer patients is dependent on the development of relevant preclinical models. This chapter will examine the animal models available for endometrial cancer studies in the lab, with a focus on mouse models. Mice and other rodents represent the front line for early preclinical studies in cancer research. We will discuss specific mouse models of endometrial cancer and will further present techniques that can be used to study the role of diet, obesity, and exercise on the normal endometrium and on the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer in the lab.