Optimizing mouse models for precision cancer prevention

Abstract

As cancer has become increasingly prevalent, cancer prevention research has evolved towards placing a greater emphasis on reducing cancer deaths and minimizing the adverse consequences of having cancer. 'Precision cancer prevention' takes into account the collaboration of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in influencing cancer incidence and aggressiveness in the context of the individual, as well as recognizing that such knowledge can improve early detection and enable more accurate discrimination of cancerous lesions. However, mouse models, and particularly genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, have yet to be fully integrated into prevention research. In this Opinion article, we discuss opportunities and challenges for precision mouse modelling, including the essential criteria of mouse models for prevention research, representative success stories and opportunities for more refined analyses in future studies.

Figure 1. New paradigms for cancer prevention using mouse models

Comparison of traditional cancer prevention and precision prevention paradigms. Shown are representative influences for cancer occurrence or progression, compared with known interventions, and potential applications of mouse models.

Figure 2. Applications for mouse models for precision cancer prevention

Examples of how studies in mouse models can augment human cancer prevention.