Detailed characterization of partial tumor resection in the Syngeneic Fischer/F98 Glioma Model

Background

Preclinical models of brain tumors play a fundamental role in understanding tumor biology and deploying anti-tumor strategies. However, preclinical studies evaluate their potential therapy in tumor model without prior resection. Nevertheless, maximal safe resection, the first step in the clinical treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), is known to have a significant effect on adjuvant treatments.

New method

We have therefore characterized two techniques to perform tumor resection in F98 glioma-bearing rats to bring this model closer to the clinical context. A total of 65 animals were assigned in 5 different groups: control, catheter (1.74 mm diameter) and biopsy punch (1.5/ 2.5/ 3 mm diameter). On day 10 post-tumor implantation, some animals were sacrificed on day 11 for histological analysis whereas the remaining animals were used for survival estimates.

Results

All animals in the survival groups that underwent tumor resection recurred. The resection cavities were visible on the H&E histological sections. No significant difference was observed between the control and resection groups in term of survival but there was a trend towards improved survival with increasing tool diameter.

Comparison with existing methods

Few studies have investigated the development of tumor resection models, but the majority of these techniques require sophisticated equipment. To our knowledge, we are the first to develop an easy-to-perform partial tumour resection model using the Fischer-F98 glioma model.

Conclusions

Here we present a detailed characterization of the tumor resection procedure and recurrence model, which has potential for the investigation of local delivery strategies in the treatment of GBM.