Metastasis models using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a marker

A method to evaluate a candidate protocol or drug for the inhibition of metastasis of a primary tumor which method comprises:

• administering said protocol or drug to a mammalian subject which contains a primary tumor that stably expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) in cells of said tumor when said tumor metastasizes and monitoring the progression of metastasis by observing the presence, absence or intensity of the fluorescence at various locations in the treated subject by fluorescent optical tumor imaging in the intact subject;
• wherein said subject has been modified to contain said tumor that expresses GFP by surgical orthotopic implantation of said tumor wherein said subject is a nude or SCID mouse or is a mouse which is syngeneic to said tumor;
• monitoring the progression of metastasis in a control subject by fluorescent optical tumor imaging in the intact control subject, which contains a similar tumor that expresses green fluorescent protein;
• wherein said control subject has been modified to contain said tumor that expresses GFP by surgical orthotopic implantation of said tumor wherein said control subject is a nude or SCID mouse or is a mouse which is syngeneic to said tumor;
• and
• comparing the progression of metastasis in said treated subject with the progression of metastasis in said control subject;
• whereby a diminution of the progression of metastasis in said treated subject as compared to said control subject identifies the protocol or drug as effective in inhibiting metastasis.