Preclinical Models for Neuroblastoma: Establishing a Baseline for Treatment

Here we characterize and optimize both systems to increase their utility for preclinical studies. We show that TH-MYCN mice develop tumors in the paraspinal ganglia, but not in the adrenal, with cellular and gene expression patterns similar to human NB. In addition, we present a new ultrasound guided, non-invasive orthotopic xenograft method. This injection technique is rapid, provides accurate targeting of the injected cells and leads to efficient engraftment. We also demonstrate that tumors can be detected, monitored and quantified prior to visualization using ultrasound, MRI and bioluminescence. Finally we develop and test a standard of care chemotherapy regimen. This protocol, which is based on current treatments for neuroblastoma, provides a baseline for comparison of new therapeutic agents.

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Teitz T, Stanke JJ, Federico S, Bradley CL, Brennan R, Zhang J, Johnson MD, Sedlacik J, Inoue M, Zhang ZM, Frase S, Rehg JE, Hillenbrand CM, Finkelstein D, Calabrese C, Dyer MA, Lahti JM