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Digestive Disease Interventions 2017; 01(02): 074-082
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1603812
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Characteristics and Unmet Clinical Needs Related to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Jordan Newson   *
1   Department of Biology, Albion College, Albion, Michigan
,
Nickolas Kinachtchouk   *
2   Department of Biochemistry, Albion College, Albion, Michigan
,
Kyle M. Schachtschneider
3   Department of Radiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
,
Regina M. Schwind
3   Department of Radiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
,
Lawrence B. Schook
3   Department of Radiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
4   Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

20 December 2016

04 May 2017

Publication Date:
08 June 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Advances in biomedical research require animal models that accurately recapitulate human disease. Without such models, progress against human diseases such as cancer is significantly hindered. Here, we present the current landscape on available and emerging hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) animal models. HCC is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with an annual death toll exceeding 745,000. Stunningly, only 15% of HCC patients are candidates for curative therapy, leading 85% of patients to seek palliative therapeutic options. The VX2 rabbit model is considered the most relevant and widely used HCC model; however, more reliable HCC models are critically needed. In general, animal models for biomedical research should (1) mimic the human disease on a molecular basis, (2) derive from a relevant cell line that lends itself to in vitro study, (3) be reliable and predictable, (4) manifest survival differences, (5) allow for accurate treatment assessment, (6) be readily imaged, and (7) occur in similar background settings as the human disease. Over the past decades, numerous small animal models have been utilized for HCC studies; however, the development of new large animal models as qualified alternatives to murine models represents a key technology to advance research into human clinical trials.

Keywords

hepatocellular carcinoma - animal models - human - porcine model - translational research

* These authors contributed equally.