Issues

Genetically-engineered mouse models often represent some of the most physiologically accurate models of cancer from which to understand the tumor microenvironment and with which to perform preclinical trials. Abraham and colleagues present studies of a prototypic insulin-like growth factor receptor inhibitor using both genetically-engineered mouse models and the shell-free quail chorioallantois membrane (CAM) assay. Remarkably, the inexpensive short term (2 week) CAM assay offers xenografted tumors a scaffold of lymphatics, arteries, and veins that mimic short-term in vivo growth with all the advantages of intravital imaging. Photograph credits, Elaine Huang and Audra Lee. For details, see article by Abraham and colleagues on page 697.