Xenotransplantation of human thyroid carcinomas in athymic nude mice.

A nude mouse xenotransplantation model was established for human thyroid carcinomas of different histological types. Best results of serial passages were obtained in anaplastic cancers. The models allowed investigations under in vivo conditions. Hormonal influences were tested, and imaging procedures were possible. In most aggressive anaplastic carcinoma cell lines, growth inhibition of cytostatic drugs, cytokines and nutritional effects were investigated.