Methods in molecular biology
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Pathological staging is the most important factor that determines the prognosis and management of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The method for the pathological staging in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma involves assessment of standard parameters-extent of tumor (T), lymph node status (N), presence of distant metastasis (M), as well as grade (G) and anatomical location of the carcinoma. In addition, other relevant factors, such as use of neoadjuvant therapy, could affect the pathological staging of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Orthotopic xenograft model recapitulates the faithful organ-specific microenvironment and facilitates analyses involving tumor-stromal interactions that are crucial for developing new-generation cancer therapy. Herein, we describe the detailed rationales and protocols of a versatile orthotopic xenograft model for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Mouse models are important in the study of pathogenesis, testing new treatment, and monitoring the progress of treatment in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The mice commonly used are immunosuppressed. The first category of models is for basic research and includes genetically engineered mouse models and carcinogen- or diet-induced mouse models. ⋯ This model appears promising for personalized medicine and of high resemblance to the nature of human ESCC, but there are many limitations for the use. It is likely to be used more in research in ESCC in the future. In this chapter, we detailed the preparation and experiments of PDX model from a patient with ESCC.