LAUSR

Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of breast cancer have proven invaluable for basic and translational cancer research. These preclinical models have been useful for in vivo analysis of breast cancer initiation and progression, as well as for investigating anti-tumor efficacy of targeted drugs and immunotherapeutics. However, the establishment of GEMMs and PDX models involves cost and time limitations that represent serious bottlenecks. To keep pace with the growing number of hypotheses that warrant preclinical in vivo testing, continuous refinement of current breast cancer models is crucial. Novel technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9-based in vivo gene editing, non-germline mouse models of breast cancer, and breast cancer-derived organoids enable accelerated and more refined in vivo and ex vivo modeling of human breast cancer. The resulting preclinical models can be used to identify and validate breast cancer driver genes and candidate drug targets, evaluate anticancer drug efficacy, and identify novel mechanisms of drug resistance. Citation Format: Jonkers J. Genetic dissection of cancer development, therapy response, and resistance in mouse models of breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr ES10-1.