Assessing metabolic alterations and cancer biomarkers in athymic nude mice implanted with NSCLC spheroids.

BACKGROUND

Preclinical rodent models are vital in cancer research, and enhancing their relevance reduces animal use.

AIM: The aim of this pilot study was to determine if A549 lung cancer spheroids implanted into athymic nude mice will change the serum metabolite profile and express serum cancer biomarkers.

METHOD: Spheroid non-small cell carcinoma tumours were implanted into athymic nude mice. 1H-NMR metabolomics was used to evaluate the serum metabolome. Specific cancer biomarkers were determined using commercial kits.

RESULTS

Tumours produced significant levels of selected serum cancer biomarkers, and the implanted tumours had changed the serum metabolite profiles-mimicking human lung cancer profiles-which were significantly different from the non-cancer control. Histological analysis confirmed characteristics of solid adenocarcinomas.

CONCLUSION

The A549 spheroid-derived xenograft model demonstrates promise as a feasible and physiologically relevant tool for non-small cell lung cancer research.