Establishment of Tumor Cell Lines: From Primary Tumor Cells to a Tumor Cell Line

Abstract

Adequate cell lines and cell systems are the cornerstone of various research fields, with the aim of reflecting the tissue of origin as closely as possible in order to obtain optimal research conditions. Cell lines are defined as continuously growing cell cultures, with unlimited proliferation. During cell line establishment scientists need to be cognizant of numerous contaminants including bacterial, viral and cell-cell interaction along with the issues of Hayflick Limit which can have profound influence over the results, if not successfully avoided. Great patience and attention to detail is needed in order to create a viable specimen.The present chapter will give an overview about handling of tumor tissue, isolation of tumor cells, and finally the establishment of tumor cell lines. Characterization and identification of established cell lines will be shown, on the basis of three examples: clival and sacral chordomas and NRAS-mutated melanoma. Understanding the culture conditions will help to find the perfect requirements for the culturing of each different cell line. Contamination in the cell culture is a touchy topic; detection and elimination of microbial and cell-cell contamination will be discussed in detail. By adhering some golden rules, success of cell line establishment will be guaranteed!