Establishment and characterization of an orthotopic sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma mouse model

Background Despite therapeutic improvements, patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) still face an unfavorable prognosis and there is great need for alternative treatments. Methods SCCNC4 cells, originally derived from a T2N1M0 primary and untreated sinonasal SCC, were inoculated in the maxillary sinus of immunodeficient mice. Histology, invasive behavior, and genetic features were evaluated and compared with the original primary tumor. Results The mice developed tumors that invaded bone, surrounding tissues, and brain, showing the same poor differentiation as the original primary tumor. Genetic analysis revealed an almost identical pattern of copy number alterations, except for the deletion and loss of expression of the genes CDKN2A and PTEN. Conclusion This article shows the feasibility of an orthotopic mouse model of SCC of the maxillary sinus. Completed by genome‐wide genetic profiling data, this model will be useful for preclinical testing of specific gene‐targeted anticancer drugs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1769–1775, 2015