Scholarlink

<p>Comprehensively understanding cancer biology requires complex model systems, typically animal models, to replicate tumor behavior, microenvironment interactions, and cell migration/metastatic processes. Traditionally, genetically engineered and xenograft mouse models have been the cornerstone of cancer research. In recent years, the 3R principle—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—has reshaped ethical cancer research by promoting alternative animal models. Here we critically examine <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in silico</i> as well as four 3R-compliant animal models — the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, <i>Danio rerio</i>, <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>, and <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> — and assess their advantages, limitations, and translational relevance for cancer research. Special emphasis is placed on practical considerations to inform optimal decision-making, including reproducibility and model-specific advantages and challenges. This review aims to support researchers in selecting ethical and effective preclinical models to advance cancer research.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Beyond the mouse: 3R-guided alternative animal models transforming cancer research

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月26日

查看全文
  • Tobias Faehling,
  • Tobias Reiff,
  • Björn Schumacher,
  • Richard Arndt,
  • James F. Amatruda,
  • Thomas G. P. Grünewald,
  • Florencia Cidre-Aranaz

摘要

Comprehensively understanding cancer biology requires complex model systems, typically animal models, to replicate tumor behavior, microenvironment interactions, and cell migration/metastatic processes. Traditionally, genetically engineered and xenograft mouse models have been the cornerstone of cancer research. In recent years, the 3R principle—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—has reshaped ethical cancer research by promoting alternative animal models. Here we critically examine in vitro and in silico as well as four 3R-compliant animal models — the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, Danio rerio, Drosophila melanogaster, and Caenorhabditis elegans — and assess their advantages, limitations, and translational relevance for cancer research. Special emphasis is placed on practical considerations to inform optimal decision-making, including reproducibility and model-specific advantages and challenges. This review aims to support researchers in selecting ethical and effective preclinical models to advance cancer research.