Analysis of drug sensitivity of human high-grade osteosarcoma in a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model: a proof of principle study.

Spare biopsy tissue from five patients diagnosed with high-grade osteosarcoma was transferred into non-immortalized primary cell culture. After a pre-incubation period of 10 days, fertilized chick eggs were inoculated with primary tumor cells suspended in extracellular matrix gel. On day 16, treatment with 20 µmol/l doxorubicin (n = 4) or 25 µl of culture medium (n = 6) was performed for 24 h. CAM membranes were documented macroscopically, harvested and examined histologically. Transfer of biopsy specimens into primary cell culture was successful in all cases. 50% (n = 10) of eggs died after inoculation with tumor cells and before application of doxorubicin. No deaths occurred after application of doxorubicin. Histological examination found a response to doxorubicin in all four specimens. Based upon these results, the CAM model represents a promising preclinical alternative to animal experiments to determine drug sensitivity of osteosarcoma cells. Further research with regard to other substances and dosages appear justified.