A cervical lymph node metastatic model of human tongue carcinoma: Serial and orthotopic transplantation of histologically intact patient specimens in nude mice

Purpose: A lymph node metastatic model of human tongue carcinoma using orthotopic and serial transplantation was established in nude mice to study the invasive and metastatic properties of human tongue cancer. Materials and Methods: Lymph node metastatic specimens of human tongue carcinoma were transplanted into nude mice orthotopically. Tumors dissected from the metastatic lymph nodes of the nude mice were serially transplanted into tongues of disease-free nude mice at 4-week intervals. Results: All mice developed aggressive and diffuse well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma at tongue recipient sites. Tumor cells invaded to lymphatic vessels. In addition, increased cervical lymph node metastasis was noted in the first (3 of 14, or 21%), second (4 of 11, or 36%), third (6 of 10, or 60%), or fourth (11 of 14, or 79%) transplantation. In mice, 2 of 14 lung metastases were found in the fourth round of transplantation. Conclusion: After surgical specimens of the lymph node metastasis for human tongue cancer were transplanted into the tongue of nude mice, the clinical characteristics of human tongue carcinoma, especially invasion and metastasis, were observed. This metastatic model involving orthotopic and serial transplantation should be useful for studies on the mechanisms, treatment, and prevention of human carcinoma of tongue. © 2003 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 61:696-700, 2003