Cancer induction in the DMBA hamster cheek pouch: A modified technique using a promoter

Objective: To evaluate a modified method of carcinogenesis induction using the 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA) sustained-release suture techni que followed by arecaidine promotion in the hamster cheek pouch model. Stud y Design: Prospective, controlled animal study. Methods: Number 3-0 cotton sutures were impregnated with DMBA and coated with silicone elastomer. Thes e sutures were placed in the cheek pouch of Syrian hamsters in the submucos al space to a length of approximately 1.5 cm. The suture placement was conf irmed every 2 weeks and replaced if lost. After 12 weeks, the DMBA-coated s utures were removed. The cheek pouches were everted and painted with a solu tion of arecaidine three times weekly for up to an additional 4 weeks or un til the tumor reached a size of 100 mm(2). Results: We placed sutures in 16 5 Syrian hamster cheek pouches. Of these, 133 hamsters (80.6%) produced squ amous cell carcinomas that reached a size of 100 mm(2) and then were random ly selected for treatment in a new drug trial. Twenty-six hamsters (15.8%) were found dead and 6 (3.6%) were killed because of severe inflammation. Co nclusions: The DMBA hamster cheek pouch model is a reliable and efficient a nimal model for inducing squamous cell carcinoma and can be used to study u pper aerodigestive tract tumors.