Image-guided radiotherapy in an orthotopic mouse model of rectal cancer

STAR Protoc. 2022 Dec 16;3(4):101749. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101749. Epub 2022 Oct 5.

Abstract

Radiobiology research in rectal cancer has been limited to cell lines, patient-derived organoids (PDOs), or xenografts. Here, we describe a protocol which recapitulates more efficiently the complex contributions of the tumor microenvironment. This approach establishes a preclinical mouse model of rectal cancer by intrarectal transplantation of genetically modified organoids into immunocompetent mice followed by precise image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) of organoid-induced tumors. This model represents a useful platform to study the cellular and molecular determinants of therapy resistance in rectal cancer. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Nicolas et al. (2022).

Keywords: Cancer; Health sciences; Model organisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Heterografts
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Radiotherapy, Image-Guided* / methods
  • Rectal Neoplasms*
  • Tumor Microenvironment