A new in vitro invasion model for oral cancer using an acellular allogenic dermal matrix (Alloderm): the relationship among in vitro invasion activity, in vivo invasion and metastasis.

The purpose of this study was to develop a new in vitro model of cancer invasion using a human dermal equivalent, AlloDerm®. A squamous cell carcinoma line (HSC-2, HSC-3 and OSC20) and a malignant melanoma line (G361) were cultured on AlloDerm® and evaluated histologically to examine destruction of the basement membrane and invasion into the dermis of AlloDerm®. HSC-3 and G361 cells invaded through the basement membrane of AlloDerm® at 21-28 days after seeding, while HSC-2 and OSC20 cells did not. Next, these cells were transplanted into the tongues of nude mice, and the degree of local invasiveness was examined histologically. HSC-3 and G361 cells invaded diffusely to the surrounding tongue tissue, although HSC-2 and OSC20 showed only expansive growth. Further, these cells were transplanted subcutaneously in nude mice to study metastatic activity. Regional and distant metastases were rarely observed after transplantation of HSC-2 and OSC20 cells. On the other hand, HSC-3 and G361 cells frequently metastasized. These findings show a close relationship among in vitro invasiveness on AlloDerm®, in vivo invasiveness, and metastatic activity. This experimental model using AlloDerm® is a potentially new in vitro model of cancer invasion.