Preclinical models in ovarian cancer

The overall poor clinical outcome for women with ovarian cancer necessitates accurate tumor model systems that can yield preclinical advances for translation to new patient-centered treatment strategies. Our preclinical knowledge of ovarian cancer is largely based on traditional in vitro two-dimensional cell culture studies; however, this approach fails to fully recapitulate the complexity of the tumor. Multiple newer model systems have been established, including three-dimensional cell culture models, genetically engineered mouse models, and patient-derived xenografts. These models seek to address the important concepts of the tumor microenvironment and tumor heterogeneity. Genetically engineered mouse models additionally provide the opportunity to study the genetic underpinnings of tumor development as well as carry out cancer prevention studies. In this chapter, we will discuss the application of each of these three model systems to the study of ovarian cancer and drug development, including the unique strengths and limitations of each approach.