The Rabbit VX2 Tumour as a Model for Carcinomas of the Tongue and Larynx

Animal models of carcinomas can provide useful information for the evaluation of new treatments. In the rabbit, the VX2 tumour is a fast growing, transplantable squamous cell carcinoma. By implanting a cell suspension of the tumour into the tongue and/or the larynx, a useful new model for studying or treating tumours in this region has been developed. The tumours were evaluated histologically and showed features consistent with human carcinomas, including surface ulceration, lymphatic spread and encroachment of the airway. The VX2 tumours in these sites have features which offer advantages over existing models. These include the ability to study several sites of tumour growth in the same animal, to follow rapidly growing tumours, storage of the tumour in liquid nitrogen allowing experiments to be started when convenient, and the large size of the rabbit larynx which permits considerable tumour growth before airway embarrassment.