Enhanced tumorigenic and metastatic potential of an androgen-sensitive human prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP, by intratesticular inoculation in SCID mice

To establish a prostate cancer model expressing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with metastatic potential, LNCaP or PC-3 cells were inoculated into the testis of SCID mice, resulting in a 100% rate of tumor formation. A significant increase in serum PSA was found in mice with LNCaP xenografts. Circulating tumor cells and micrometastases to organs such as lung, liver, spleen, and omentum were detected for both cell lines by PCR of the human beta-globin gene. Lymph node metastases occurred more frequently with PC-3 than LNCaP cells. This is the first report showing stable growth of LNCaP cells in mice with metastases to the regional lymph nodes. This model of prostate cancer should help to assess treatment strategies targeting PSA.