PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - REVHEIM, MONA-ELISABETH
AU  - SEIERSTAD, THERESE
AU  - BERNER, JEANNE-MARIE
AU  - BRULAND, ØYVIND SVERRE
AU  - RØE, KATHRINE
AU  - OHNSTAD, HEGE OMA
AU  - BJERKEHAGEN, BODIL
AU  - BACH-GANSMO, TORE
TI  - Establishment and Characterization of a Human Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST) Xenograft in Athymic Nude Mice
DP  - 2009 Nov 01
TA  - Anticancer Research
PG  - 4331--4336
VI  - 29
IP  - 11
4099  - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/29/11/4331.short
4100  - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/29/11/4331.full
SO  - Anticancer Res2009 Nov 01; 29
AB  - Background: The majority of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) contain oncogenic KIT (v-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) or platelet-derived growth factor-alpha (PDGFRA) receptor tyrosine kinase (TK) mutations and are initially, but only temporarily sensitive to TK inhibitors. The aim of this study was to establish and characterize a human GIST xenograft that could be used for evaluating various molecularly targeted therapies. Materials and Methods: GIST tissue from four patients was implanted under the skin of athymic nude mice. In one case a tumour line was established. Results: The xenograft showed characteristic GIST morphology and exhibited the same mutation profile as that of the patient. Conclusion: A human GIST xenograft with mutation in KIT exons 11 and 17 has been established and maintained in nude mice for 3 years (13 passages). This model will enable further studies on mechanisms of resistance, combination therapies and allow testing of novel targeted therapies.