Mouse Models and Characterization of Space-Radiation-Induced Cancer

Mice develop cancer spontaneously and following exposures to carcinogens. Different inbred strains develop different tumor types which is evidence for genetic susceptibility. Mouse tumors can often be transplanted between syngeneic mice and this has been used for drug screening. Some human tumors can be grown in immunodeficient Nude or Scid mice. Some normal human tissues can be propagated in immunosuppressed mice and rats. Mice can be genetically engineered to study mechanisms of carcinogenesis and generate tumors that closely mimic those in humans.