[Novel metastasis model of human lung cancer cells representing different histological types in SCID mice depleted of NK cells].

Metastasis is the major obstacle in cancer therapy. Lung cancer is divided into 4 histological groups, such as small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma, representing different clinical behaviors. Novel metastasis models of human lung cancer cells to the liver, kidneys and lymph nodes were established in SCID mice depleted of NK cells. In the model under study, small-cell carcinoma cells mainly formed lymph-node metastases, while squamous cell carcinoma cells mainly metastasized to the liver and kidneys. Moreover, adenocarcinoma cells formed lung metastases and malignant pleural effusion. These findings suggest that our model reflects clinical behavior of metastatic lung cancer and is useful for evaluation of antimetastatic modalities.