Growth and metastasis of human melanoma xenografts in the hamster host.

Cells from three human melanoma cell culture lines (UCLASO-M-12, UCLASO-M-7, and WEG-1) were transplanted into the cheek pouches of immunosuppressed hamsters. Tumor nodules were found in the cheek pouches of hamsters receiving any one of these lines, and by 90--100 days after transplantation, nearly all hamsters had grossly visible lung metastases. Metastases were noted only in hamsters receiving continuous immunosuppression during the transplant period.