Assessing the Benefits of Mouse Models for Cancer Research

Abstract

Mice have served as the preferred species to conduct experiments for the advancement of cancer research. They have been able to contribute to our understanding and have helped in the development of many treatments. There are numerous advantages as to why mouse models are utilized, such as inexpensiveness, easy maintenance, rapid development, and both biological and genetic similarity to humans. They have been able to provide information on oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes, gene function, and tumor development. Despite the extensive knowledge this animal has been able to provide to medicine, there are still several limitations that prevent further progress. All of these will be furthered discussed in this micro review to decide whether or not mouse models are really the best instrument to utilize for cancer research.