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Research and new methods

What a mouse study means

New medicines are first tested in cells (in vitro) and then in animals (in vivo). This is an important step, but it does not predict results in people.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A white laboratory mouse resting in a researcher's gloved hand
Figure 1.A laboratory mouse

01Short answer

Mouse models can show how leukaemia develops and how a medicine acts, and they help assess early safety. But a mouse's body, immune system and drug handling differ from a human's. Many medicines that work well in mice do not work in people or turn out to be harmful. So news that “leukaemia disappeared in mice” is only the beginning of a long road.

02Simple explanation

Cells first.

Then animals.

People are different.

Only a beginning.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: an animal model is a laboratory animal used to study a human disease.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Why it is needed

To understand the mechanism and early safety.

A bridge
Figure 2.A bridge — What a mouse study means

Limitation

Results do not transfer directly to people.

The lab
Figure 3.The lab — What a mouse study means

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Why it is neededTo understand the mechanism and early safety.
LimitationResults do not transfer directly to people.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

In vitro
In a dish, outside a living body.
In vivo
In a living body.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

If it worked in mice, will it help me?

Unknown; studies in people are needed.

How long will it take?

Usually years.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. If it worked in mice, will it help me?

  2. How long will it take?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: in vitro
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: in vivo
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: animal model
  4. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  6. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Targeted Therapy to Treat Cancer
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: graft-versus-host disease
  9. National Cancer Institute. Immunotherapy Side Effects
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Monoclonal Antibodies
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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