Animal Models in Cancer Studies: A Review of Translational Gaps to Clinical Settings

Abstract

Animal models have been the primary factor in preclinical cancer studies for decades. Despite advances in molecular biology and cell culture, translating animal findings into human trials remains challenging. The present study aimed to comprehensively assess the role of animal models in cancer studies, their contribution to the discovery of new therapies, and their success in predicting human responses. A search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for English-language articles published between 2018 and 2025. Inclusion criteria were studies employing animal models (mice, rats, pigs, dogs) and xenograft models that investigated cancer development, metastasis, or treatment, with findings relevant to humans. Of the 3,247 articles found, 94 studies met the inclusion criteria and were ultimately assessed and studies. Genetically engineered mice and human tumor-derived xenograft models were the most common models. In most studies, animal models successfully predicted responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The most important limiting factors included species differences in medication metabolism, differences in tumor microenvironment, and a lack of complete representation of human tumor heterogeneity. Animal models remain indispensable tools for discovering cancer therapies and understanding tumor biology, especially for assessing drug toxicity and pharmacokinetics.