title: Characterization of a new animal model for human renal cell carcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney malignancy with significant mortality. Human tumor xenograft models are important tools for cancer research.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have established and characterized a new animal model for human RCC using Caki-2 cells implanted into the renal subcapsule (RSC) of nude mice. Histology, immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to analyze the tumors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The implantations generated reproducible carcinomas which closely resemble human RCC. The tumors showed cystic-papillary structures, rich capillary network and fibro-septa formations. Proliferation varied from 0-5% and from 1-60% in cystic and solid areas, respectively. Apoptosis was less than 1%. Macrophages and other inflammatory cell infiltrations were detected in the tumors. VEGF-A and angiopoietin I were expressed in a small number of cells in large tumors. Tumors did not metastasize outside peritoneal cavity. Survival of the tumor bearing animals was 23 +/- 3 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is concluded that Caki-2 carcinomas implanted into renal subcapsule of nude mice resemble human RCC in several aspects and represent a good animal model for studies regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of human RCC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Pulkkanen
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Parkkinen
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Kettunen
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Kauppinen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lappalainen
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Ala-Opas
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yla-Herttuala
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008819:Mice, Nude; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
chemical_list: D019394:Ki-67 Antigen