Patient-Derived Xenotransplant of CNS Neoplasms in Zebrafish: A Systematic Review

Diverse Engraftment Capability of Neuroblastoma Cell Lines in Zebrafish Larvae

Xenotransplantation of neuroblastoma cells into larval zebrafish allows the characterization of their in vivo tumorigenic abilities and high-throughput treatment screening. This established preclinical model traditionally relies on microinjection into the yolk or perivitelline space, leaving the engraftment ability of cells at the hindbrain ventricle (HBV) and pericardial space (PCS), sites valuable for evaluating metastasis, angiogenesis, and the brain microenvironment, unknown. To address this gap in knowledge, Casper zebrafish at 48 h postfertilization were microinjected with approximately 200 Kelly, Be(2)-C, SK-N-AS, or SY5Y cells into either the HBV or PCS. Fish were imaged at 1, 3, and 6 days postinjection and tumor growth was monitored at each timepoint. We hypothesized that engraftment ability and location preference would be cell line dependent. Kelly and SK-N-AS cells were able to engraft at both the HBV and PCS, with a near doubling in size of tumor volume during the 6 days observation period, with cells appearing to grow better in the HBV. Be(2)-C tumors remained static while SY5Y tumors decreased in size, with almost complete loss of volume at both sites. Therefore, the capability of neuroblastoma cell engraftment in zebrafish larvae is cell line dependent with a location preference.

Pediatric low-grade glioma models: advances and ongoing challenges

Pediatric low-grade gliomas represent the most common childhood brain tumor class. While often curable, some tumors fail to respond and even successful treatments can have life-long side effects. Many clinical trials are underway for pediatric low-grade gliomas. However, these trials are expensive and challenging to organize due to the heterogeneity of patients and subtypes. Advances in sequencing technologies are helping to mitigate this by revealing the molecular landscapes of mutations in pediatric low-grade glioma. Functionalizing these mutations in the form of preclinical models is the next step in both understanding the disease mechanisms as well as for testing therapeutics. However, such models are often more difficult to generate due to their less proliferative nature, and the heterogeneity of tumor microenvironments, cell(s)-of-origin, and genetic alterations. In this review, we discuss the molecular and genetic alterations and the various preclinical models generated for the different types of pediatric low-grade gliomas. We examined the different preclinical models for pediatric low-grade gliomas, summarizing the scientific advances made to the field and therapeutic implications. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of the various models. This review highlights the importance of preclinical models for pediatric low-grade gliomas while noting the challenges and future directions of these models to improve therapeutic outcomes of pediatric low-grade gliomas.

Preclinical glioma models in neuro-oncology: enhancing translational research

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gliomas represent approximately 25% of all primary brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors and 81% of malignant tumors. Unfortunately, standard treatment approaches for most CNS cancers have shown limited improvement in patient survival rates.

RECENT FINDINGS

The current drug development process has been plagued by high failure rates, leading to a shift towards human disease models in biomedical research. Unfortunately, suitable preclinical models for brain tumors have been lacking, hampering our understanding of tumor initiation processes and the discovery of effective treatments. In this review, we will explore the diverse preclinical models employed in neuro-oncology research and their contributions to translational science.

SUMMARY

By utilizing a combination of these preclinical models and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, researchers can deepen their understanding of glioma brain tumors and develop novel therapeutic strategies to combat these devastating diseases. These models offer promising prospects for personalized and efficacious treatments for these challenging malignancies. Although it is unrealistic to fully replicate the complexity of the human body in vitro, the ultimate goal should be to achieve the closest possible resemblance to the clinical context.

Preclinical Models of Neuroblastoma-Current Status and Perspectives

Preclinical in vitro and in vivo models remain indispensable tools in cancer research. These classic models, including two- and three-dimensional cell culture techniques and animal models, are crucial for basic and translational studies. However, each model has its own limitations and typically does not fully recapitulate the course of the human disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of novel, advanced systems that can allow for efficient evaluation of the mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression, more accurately reflect the disease pathophysiology and complexity, and effectively inform therapeutic decisions for patients. Preclinical models are especially important for rare cancers, such as neuroblastoma, where the availability of patient-derived specimens that could be used for potential therapy evaluation and screening is limited. Neuroblastoma modeling is further complicated by the disease heterogeneity. In this review, we present the current status of preclinical models for neuroblastoma research, discuss their development and characteristics emphasizing strengths and limitations, and describe the necessity of the development of novel, more advanced and clinically relevant approaches.