Mus tales: a hands-on view.

The mouse model for breast cancer has developed into a most effective means of dissecting and understanding this devastating disease. The inbred transgenic mouse lends itself to biological, molecular, immunological, and genetic studies. The observation, dissection, transplantation, and subsequent amplification of precancerous mammary lesions and tumors give the scientist the means to readily study the tissues and design interventions and therapeutic drugs for the future eventual control of breast cancer. There are many inbred strains of mice, selected for specific characteristics. The mouse is easy to handle, breeds well, and does not require extensive facilities, funding, and handling such as monkeys, chimps, and other animal models. A huge advantage is the capability for the transplantation of tissues as well as gene manipulation, which make the transgenic mouse a major research resource. The mouse has served the scientific community well for over a century and will continue to do so in the quest for understanding breast cancer and other diseases.