Establishment and Characterization of a Pair of Patient-derived Human Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines from a Primary Tumor and Corresponding Lymph Node Metastasis

BACKGROUND: Non-small lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. For a deeper understanding of tumor biology, we established a pair of cell lines derived from a primary tumor and a corresponding lymph node metastasis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cell line BC4323 from the primary tumor (PT) and a mediastinal lymph node metastasis (LN) were derived from an adenocarcinoma (pT2, pN2, G3, UICC stage IIIa) in a 47-year-old female patient. Comparative characterization was performed by in vitro analysis. A murine xenograft was established for analysis of in vivo behavior.

RESULTS: Chromosomal aberrations were detected in multiple chromosomal sections throughout the entire genome, with only a few differences between PT and LN cells. High-level Kirsten ras oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation and amplification were seen based on a chromosomal translocation and novel assembled chromosome. In contrast to the genomic level, at the mRNA and protein levels, multiple differences were detectable, in particular in markers for cell adhesion [e.g. epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), CD44, P-selectin binding, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and integrin alphaV] and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Due to accelerated tumor growth in vivo by the PT cells, a shortened overall survival was seen (60 vs. 101 days, p=0.005).

CONCLUSION: We provide detailed analysis of a cell line derived from a primary tumor and a corresponding LN metastasis. This unique feature allows further investigative analysis of the differences and regulatory processes underlying the metastatic process during tumor progression in non-small cell lung cancer.