Experimental Models of Sinonasal Tumors for Preclinical Testing of Candidate Targeted Therapies

Purpose of Review This paper aims to describe the available in vitro and in vivo models of different sinonasal cancer subtypes as tools both for improving our knowledge of the signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis and for evaluating the response to candidate therapeutic inhibitors in a preclinical setting. Recent Findings Starting as far back as 1981, in vitro tumor models have been established from sinonasal malignancies. However, especially in the last decade, new cell lines have been presented fully annotated with clinical and genetic data, making them ideal for testing candidate anti-cancer agents targeting specific oncogenic signaling pathways. In addition, first attempts have been made to create three-dimensional organoid cultures and mouse models, which may better reflect the cellular heterogeneity and architecture of the patients’ tumors. Summary Experimental models representing various sinonasal cancer subtypes are available and may help to bridge the gap between laboratory investigation and clinical application.