B16 Murine Melanoma: Historical Perspective on the Development of a Solid Tumor Model

Abstract

The development of reliable models of disease mechanisms largely depends on our understanding of the characteristic processes of the disease being modeled. Syngeneic tumors in mice offer an important model for oncology research. Although the use of murine models of neoplastic disease has been raised to the level of a fundamental paradigm in oncology research, it is to be considered with all the care and diligence afforded to us by any biological model. Syngeneic murine tumors offer potential advantages as well as limitations, which should always be present in the mind of the investigator. Every year, countless studies are published describing new models and/or new cell lines available to scientists. Many of these are highly specialized, and have a narrow application to the broad community. Through time, several models are developed, which present us with a newer tool to truly advance our understanding. In many instances, these models fill a specific unmet need. If fortunate enough, the model is also relatively easy to reproduce, thus providing for rapid dissemination among the community. The overall relative importance of an experimental model depends largely on two important aspects. First, how does the model recapitulate the process it attempts to emulate? Second, how does the model itself offer the flexibility to expand our knowledge relating to the pathologic process being evaluated? This chapter pinpoints how the B16 murine melanoma line has proven itself a valuable model on both points. This tumor line provides researchers with the ability to model the process of solid tumor formation and the following metastatic process seen in animals and man. Upon establishment of this model of metastasis, a more detailed understanding of the steps involved in tumor dissemination was gained. Astute manipulation of the cell line and a rational use of experimental animal models were essential for this process. Overall, this effort has helped the modern description of fundamental processes in metastasis, invasion, and antitumor drug development. The body of knowledge derived from the B16 murine melanoma line is ample, and even at present continues to grow. The emphasis of this overview is limited to its origin and to the seminal work attributable to the early work done with this tumor line and some of the tumor models that have arisen from it. In the span of biological research, this model is relatively new. But within one lifetime, it has helped shape our understanding of oncology. In science, many posed questions are old and numerous, but the tools we need to thoroughly explore them and ask new ones are in continuous evolution. These new tools encourage even more questions. The B16 melanoma is one of those tools.