Multimodal imaging of head and neck tumors in the chorioallantoic membrane assay as a basis for the establishment of new oncological therapies

Introduction Head and Neck Tumors (HNTs) exhibit poor prognosis due to their heterogeneity. The Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Assay, established as a bridge between in vivo and in vitro research, is limited by inadequate standardization and diverse evaluation approaches. This study aimed to establish reproducible high engraftment rates and multimodal imaging: photography, sonography, PET-CT, MRI, autofluorescence measurement, intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVM), and histology.

Materials & Methods Chicken eggs were incubated for 7 days. Tumors from established and patient-derived cell lines were implanted. Photo-documentation was conducted over 7 days. Tumor sonography was performed on days 10 and 14; PET-CT and MRI on day 14. Additionally, IVM and autofluorescence quantification were performed.

Results Engraftment rates for cell lines ranged between 74% and 83%. Photo-documentation was suitable for repetitive assessment of superficial tumor growth. Sonography also captured deeper infiltration. NaCl diffusion through CAM led to high mortality (88%). MRI non-invasively depicted tumor and vascularization. PET-CT showed tumor tracer enrichment in 50% (n=10) of cases, with a post-interventional mortality of 60%. NIR autofluorescence was measurable in all macroscopically viable tumors.

Discussion The CAM Assay is an efficient model for HNTs. All invasive methods were associated with high mortality. Intravenous injections should be reserved for final experiments. Autofluorescence measurement and IVM are suitable for vitality assessment.

Publication History

Article published online:
19 April 2024