Features and applications of Ehrlich tumor model in cancer studies: a literature review

Abstract

Background and Objective Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide, responsible for a large number of deaths, especially among women. Therapeutic options for breast cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy, but further studies of the pathogenesis of this disease and new treatments are still needed. In vitro and in vivo cancer models are important research tools. Murine Ehrlich tumors are one of these models, especially for hormone-positive breast cancer. The present narrative review discusses characteristics of the Ehrlich tumor model, laboratory manipulations of Ehrlich cells (ECs), and applications in pharmacological, pathological, and translational studies. Methods This review was based on scientific articles, books, and theses on Ehrlich tumors. We searched the PubMed, SciELO, Google Scholar, Google, and Clarivate databases. Key Content and Findings Hormone-positive ECs produce solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) and ascitic Ehrlich carcinoma (AEC), with different features and applications. The presence of SEC or AEC induces systemic and immunological alterations that are similar to cancer in humans, what makes this model applicable to different studies in the cancer field. Conclusions Ehrlich tumors are a relevant tool for improving our understanding of the pathogenesis of breast cancer and investigating the tumor microenvironment, side effects of therapies, and new treatment options. Despite some limitations, such as the absence of an invasive phenotype to produce metastasis, both SEC and AEC are relevant in preclinical and translational studies of breast cancer.

Ehrlich ascites carcinoma provokes renal toxicity and DNA injury in mice: Therapeutic impact of chitosan and maitake nanoparticles

“…The EAC model is widely employed in the biochemistry, oncology, mechanistic and pharmacology investigations of breast cancer. 38 EAC tumour grafting in mice induces a localized inflammation with augmented vascular permeability, which results in enhancing the metastatic potential to various organs, including lung, liver and kidney. 4,7 Using chitosan and maitake β-glucan, either in nanoform or bulky structure, to reverse nephrotoxicity induced by chemical reagents and chemotherapy has acquired more interest, particularly using their nanostructures that have unique properties.…”

“…The EAC model is widely employed in the biochemistry, oncology, mechanistic and pharmacology investigations of breast cancer 38 . EAC tumour grafting in mice induces a localized inflammation with augmented vascular permeability, which results in enhancing the metastatic potential to various organs, including lung, liver and kidney 4,7 .…”

Tumor alkalization therapy: misconception or good therapeutics perspective? – the case of malignant ascites

“…Ehrlich ascites carcinoma is a spontaneous murine mammary adenocarcinoma adapted to ascites form and carried in outbred mice by serial intraperitoneal injections ( 29 ). This model is well suitable for research on malignant ascites and cancer in general ( 30 ).…”