USE OF ZEBRA FISH LARVA AS AN ANIMAL MODEL FOR XENOGRAFT STUDIES IN CANCER RESEARCH

Abstract

Introduction: The use of human cancer cell xenografts in animal models is a robust tool to investigate tumor progression. A promising alternative appears in zebrafish larvae, whose small size and transparency make it easier to track the transplanted cells. In this way, it becomes possible to address challenging aspects such as tumor growth and the early stages of metastasis. Methodology: This is an integrative review of the literature, held in November 2023, including articles published in the last 5 years. Results and discussion: The introduction of tumors into zebrafish has become an important modeling platform in cancer research. This approach emerges as a widely employed tool in cancer research, allowing for in vivo evaluations and real-time studies of human cancer. The ability to rapidly observe responses to anti-cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and biologics, along with the ability to analyze angiogenesis and metastasis at single-cell resolution, highlights the zebrafish xenograft model as the ideal choice for developing preclinical studies. Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude the importance of the use of zebrafish larvae in cancer research, which will allow the intermediate screening of new drugs at low cost, leading to a faster development of therapies against cancer cells and as a predictive tool to assist in clinical decisions, as well as contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of cancer biology.