Chondrosarcoma is a primary cancer of bone causing significant morbidity due to local
recurrence and limited treatment options. Relatively few chondrosarcoma animal
models have been developed, and the only orthotopic model is technically demanding
and has limited clinical relevance. The aim of this review is to assess the features of
current animal chondrosarcoma models for the purpose of developing new models in
which to test adjuvant chondrosarcoma therapy. The available literature on this topic
was identified using the PubMed database, and then analysed for relevance to the
human chondrosarcoma disease and feasibility in testing new therapeutic agents.
Animal-derived chondrosarcoma models comprise predominantly allograft tumour
transplanted into the rat (Swarm rat chondrosarcoma) or the hamster. These types of
models are less relevant to the human disease and have been more useful for evaluation
of chondrosarcoma growth and histology than in developing novel therapeutic agents.
The athymic nude mouse has enabled reliable human xenograft transplantation. A
number of human chondrosarcoma cell lines have been successfully used to generate
tumours in this species, including OUMS-27 and HCS-2/A. Although effective in
demonstrating anti-tumour effects of a number of agents, the lack of a representative
orthotopic model diminishes overall clinical relevance. More clinically relevant
models of human chondrosarcoma progression are required either through transgenic
mice or orthotopic human xenograft models.