A new in vitro model of cancer invasion using AlloDerm, a human cadaveric dermal equivalent: a preliminary report.

Objectives: The first stage in the metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity involves the destruction of the basement membrane and invasion into the submucosal tissue. The purpose of this study is to develop a new in vitro model of cancer invasion using a human dermal equivalent, AlloDerm.

Study Design: Normal epithelial cells from a gingiva and a SCC line originating from human tongue cancer (HSC-3 and 4 cells) were cultured on AlloDerm, and composites of these cells and AlloDerm were evaluated histologically by HE staining and immunostaining with anti-laminin and type IV collagen antibodies. Furthermore, HSC-3 and 4 cells were transplanted into the tongues of nude mice, and regional lymph node metastases were examined histologically.

Results: HSC-3 cells had invaded through the basement membrane into the AlloDerm dermis at 25 days after seeding. Decreases in the levels of laminin and type IV collagen were observed in the locations where HSC-3 had invaded. Metastasis to regional lymph nodes was observed at 3 weeks after transplantation in 4 of 10 (40%) mice. On the other hand, normal epithelial cells and HSC-4 cells did not show invasion into AlloDerm. Lymph node metastasis was not observed in the mice bearing HSC-4 cells.

Conclusion: This experimental model using AlloDerm is a potential new in vitro model of cancer invasion.