Heterotransplantation of Human Head and Neck Tumours Into Nude Mice

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Abstract
Multimodality therapy of advanced malignant tumors of the head and neck includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the cure rate for these tumors is low and guidelines for the selection and timing of therapy are needed. For such guidelines, tumor cell kinetic parameter studies, e.g., cell proliferation, may be a suitable approach. In the present study an in vivo system for tumor cell kinetic studies, the nude mice system, has been evaluated for malignant human head and neck tumors. The overall take rate for heterotransplanted human tumor grafts was 35%. The take rate was not influenced by the sterility state of the specimen. An advanced tumor stage showed a tendency to a higher take rate than less advanced tumor stages. In the tumor cell kinetic study the rate of DNA synthesis, measured by incorporation of radioactivity labeled thymidine ([3H]TdR) into DNA, was analyzed in human malignant head and neck tumors and in serially heterotransplanted tumors. The rate of DNA synthesis increased during the 1st serial passages though the histopathological picture remained unchanged. The increased rate of DNA synthesis may be explained by the recruitment of G0 cells or by stem cell selection. These findings are discussed and may provide a basis for therapeutic guidelines.