Spontaneous and Chemically-induced Bladder Cancer Animal Model

Abstract

Investigations using animal model systems have been enlightening us with the biology underpinning the development of bladder cancer besides strengthening the existing therapy to improve the clinical outcome in patients. To date, spontaneous and chemical inductions are the classical methods in the generation of animal models of bladder cancer. Attributed to many benefits such as simple protocols and lower maintenance cost, these animal models are widely applied in the investigations of bladder cancer pathogenesis and screening of therapeutic drug. In this review, we give an overview of spontaneous- and chemically-induced bladder cancer animal models accompanying by the pros and cons of these two types of models. Furthermore, various chemical carcinogens used in the induction are discussed with the potential benefits and pitfalls in the establishment of animal models. This review will provide insightful information about the selection of the correct method in establishing the animal models of bladder cancer which are instrumental for studying potential therapeutic agents that target bladder cancer.