Development and Significance of Mouse Models in Lymphoma Research

Abstract

Purpose of review: Animal models have played an indispensable role in interpreting cancer gene functions, pathogenesis of disease, and in the development of innovative therapeutic approaches targeting aberrant biological pathways in human cancers.

Recent findings: These models have guided the therapeutic targeting of cancer-causing mutations and paved the way for assessing anti-cancer drug responses and the preclinical development of immunotherapies. The mammalian models of cancer utilize genetically edited or transplanted mice that develop fairly accurate disease histopathology. The mouse model also allows us to study the effect of tumor microenvironment in the development of lymphoma. The emergence of patient-derived xenografts provides a better opportunity for recapitulating primary lymphoma characteristics and researching personalized drug therapy. In conclusion, the refinement and advancement of available mouse models in lymphoma significantly minimize the therapeutic translational failures in patients.

Keywords: Genetically engineered; Lymphoma; Mouse models; Syngeneic; Treatment; Xenograft.