Policy for in-vivo Experimental Neoplasia:

1.       All transplantable tumors should be assayed for contamination with adventitious murine viruses such as (but not limited to) CAR bacillus, H-1 virus, KRV (Kilham Rat Virus), LCM (Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus), Mycoplasma pulmonis, parvovirus, PVM (Pneumonia Virus of Mice), RCV/SDAV (Rat Corona Virus/Sialodacryoadenitis Virus), Reovirus and Sendaii virus.

2.       Tumor implantation sites should be chosen to minimize damage to adjacent normal structures.   Sites involving the special senses should be avoided, and intramuscular implantation should be avoided as distention of muscle is considered to be painful to the animal.   Subcutaneous or intradermal implantation in the flank is considered least painful and is the preferred site.

3.       Tumors should not exceed 5% of the body weight of the animal, and animals should be euthanized when tumors exceed this threshold.   In the case of a mouse weighing 25g this would represent a single subcutaneous nodule of approximately .75 cm in diameter.  

4.       Tumors should not interfere with normal bodily functions (i.e., ambulation, eating, drinking, defecating, and/or urinating).   Some tumors or the anti-tumor therapy may cause the animal to lose condition.   In these situations, animals that lose greater than 20% of their body weight or fail to attain weight 20% lower than untreated controls should be euthanized.   If the tumor interferes with normal bodily functions and the animal appears to be in distress, the animal should be euthanazed regardless of the size of the tumor or the weight of the animal.

5.       Some tumors will ulcerate; if ulceration occurs, the animal must be intensively monitored for any untoward signs of distress (i.e.: excess bleeding) and be humanely euthanized at that time.

6.       Animals should be examined at least daily after tumor implantation.

7.       End points of experimental neoplasia should be determined and specified in the experimental protocol.   In addition, guidelines for early removal criteria should be established within the protocol.