Setup and characterization of a human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenograft model in nude rats

OBJECTIVE To develop and characterize a new head and neck cancer animal model. STUDY DESIGN A human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenograft model in nude rats was established via subcutaneous inoculation of a human‐origin HNSCC cell line, SCC‐4. The tumor was evaluated for growth characteristics, pathologic features by hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining, and immunohistochemistry of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). 2‐[ 18 F] fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose ( 18 F‐FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging characteristics were studied too. RESULTS A new HNSCC animal model was successfully established. Tumor sizes reached about 1 cm 3 on day 15 after tumor cell inoculation. HE staining pathology has confirmed that this tumor is a typical SCC. EGFR immunohistochemistry demonstrated this tumor model to be strongly EGFR positive. 18 F‐FDG PET study has shown that 18 F‐FDG accumulated in tumors. CONCLUSIONS This study has demonstrated that this tumor model is an appropriate HNSCC tumor model for animal studies on HNSCC.