Creating Anatomically Accurate and Reproducible Intracranial Xenografts of Human Brain Tumors

The overall goal of this procedure is to create a consistent and reproducible human brain tumor model that can be used for the accurate testing and comparison of novel therapeutic strategies. This is accomplished by preparing the animal for surgery and locating the correct site for injection. Once located, a hole is drilled in the skull and a syringe is lowered at the proper depth.

To obtain tumor growth, cells are then injected in a slow controlled manner, followed by a delayed and gradual withdrawal of the needle. Ultimately, a consistent mouse model with tumor growth histopathologically similar to the human condition can be developed and growth rates can be measured by Lucci based in vivo imaging. The precision of this technique is vital to understanding new therapeutic strategies for human brain tumors.