A search for a suitable animal model for bone tumors: a review.

There is an obvious need for an adequate animal model for the study of chemically induced bone tumors. A review of the literature has indicated only a limited number of incidental or deliberate induction of bone tumors by chemical agents, excluding metals and radiations. However, for various reasons, none of these experiments can be qualified as valid models. It is nevertheless felt that a more systematic investigation along the lines indicated or suggested in some of the reports reviewed in this paper could lead to the identification and development of a satisfactory animal model for the study of bone tumors, for a better understanding of their biology and possibly for a better prevention.