Development of Animal Models of Human Breast and Human Prostate Cancer Metastatic to the Spine

Support: Neurosurgeon Research Education Foundation (NREF) Research Grant Award.
Principle Investigator: D.M. Sciubba

Project Overview

Prostate and breast, along with lung cancer, are the most common cancers affected patients in North America. Not surprisingly, these are the most common tumors spreading to the spine. In our laboratory, we have been able to culture tumor cells from patient harboring such tumors and grow them in animal spines. In this way, we have been able to study the natural history and treatment affects of such lesions in animals, thus learning more about the human condition.