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Published in: Cancer and Metastasis Reviews 1/2021

01-03-2021 | Metastasis | Non-Thematics Review

Beyond tradition and convention: benefits of non-traditional model organisms in cancer research

Authors: Rebecca M. Harman, Sanjna P. Das, Arianna P. Bartlett, Gat Rauner, Leanne R. Donahue, Gerlinde R. Van de Walle

Published in: Cancer and Metastasis Reviews | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Traditional laboratory model organisms are indispensable for cancer research and have provided insight into numerous mechanisms that contribute to cancer development and progression in humans. However, these models do have some limitations, most notably related to successful drug translation, because traditional model organisms are often short-lived, small-bodied, genetically homogeneous, often immunocompromised, are not exposed to natural environments shared with humans, and usually do not develop cancer spontaneously. We propose that assimilating information from a variety of long-lived, large, genetically diverse, and immunocompetent species that live in natural environments and do develop cancer spontaneously (or do not develop cancer at all) will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of human cancers. These non-traditional model organisms can also serve as sentinels for environmental risk factors that contribute to human cancers. Ultimately, expanding the range of animal models that can be used to study cancer will lead to improved insights into cancer development, progression and metastasis, tumor microenvironment, as well as improved therapies and diagnostics, and will consequently reduce the negative impacts of the wide variety of cancers afflicting humans overall.
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Metadata
Title
Beyond tradition and convention: benefits of non-traditional model organisms in cancer research
Authors
Rebecca M. Harman
Sanjna P. Das
Arianna P. Bartlett
Gat Rauner
Leanne R. Donahue
Gerlinde R. Van de Walle
Publication date
01-03-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
Metastasis
Published in
Cancer and Metastasis Reviews / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 0167-7659
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7233
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10555-020-09930-6

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