Model Organisms in Cancer Research-Powers and Limitations

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a term that is used to describe a wide range of diseases, but they all have some characteristics in common. The goal of this review is to highlight the most commonly used cancer models as well as their role in tumor biology. Although each model has inherent powers and limitations in faithfully mirroring the complexity of tumorigenesis, there is no perfect single model for cancer. Main body: Oncologists can learn about the tumor microenvironment, gene mutations, and complex physiological systems using model organisms for cancer research. The widespread use of model organisms in cancer research has greatly improved understanding of how mutations in humans lead to cancer. Human cancer cell lines, drosophila, yeast, and mice are among the model organisms used to study cancer. However, these model organisms have flaws that can cause the tumor microenvironment to be falsified and restrict the defined targets in translational studies. Conclusion: The overwhelming message from various animal models allows us to better understand the state of the disease and develop new cancer treatments. Mice are a good substitute and surrogate for patients in the evaluation of diagnosis and prognosis among the various model organisms used in cancer research.