Setup and characterization of a human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenograft model in nude rats

OBJECTIVE: To develop and characterize a new head and neck cancer animal model. STUDY DESIGN: A human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenograft model in nude rats was established via subcutaneous inoculation of a human-origin HNSCC cell line, SCC-4. The tumor was evaluated for growth characteristics, pathologic features by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and immunohistochemistry of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). 2-[F-18] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (F-18-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging characteristics were studied too. RESULTS: A new HNSCC animal model was successfully established. Tumor sizes reached about 1 cm(3) on day 15 after tumor cell inoculation. HE staining pathology has confirmed that this tumor is a typical SCC. EGFR immunohistochemistry demonstrated this tumor model to be strongly EGFR positive. F-18-FDG PET study has shown that F-18-FDG accumulated in tumors. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that this tumor model is an appropriate HNSCC tumor model for animal studies on HNSCC. (c) 2006 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.