Proliferation of Exfoliated Colorectal Cancer Cells in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): M.O. Symes, B. Fermor, H.C. Umpleby, C.R. Tribe, R.C.N. Williamson
Primary Institution: The Medical School, University Walk, Bristol BS8 I TD, UK
Hypothesis
Can exfoliated colorectal carcinoma cells proliferate after being implanted in immune deprived mice?
Conclusion
Exfoliated colorectal cancer cells can proliferate and form metastases in immune deprived mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Exfoliated colorectal carcinoma cells were shown to be viable at the time of collection.
- Transplantation of these cells into immune deprived mice resulted in the formation of pulmonary nodules.
- Five out of eight examined nodules were confirmed to be carcinomas.
Takeaway
Doctors found that cancer cells from the intestines can grow and spread in special mice that don't have a strong immune system.
Methodology
Colorectal cancer cells were collected from patients, injected into immune deprived mice, and examined for tumor growth in the lungs.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in selecting which patients' cells were used for the study.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small number of patients and the results may not apply to all colorectal cancers.
Participant Demographics
Cells were obtained from 10 patients with colorectal cancer.
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