Protocol for generating lung and liver metastasis in mice using models that bypass intravasation

Summary: Forced metastasis models, those in which the step of intravasation is bypassed, can be used to investigate the mechanisms underlying metastasis and evaluate potential therapeutic targets. Here, we present a protocol for using three forced models of lung and liver metastasis to generate metastasis within 3–4 weeks in approximately 99% of injected mice. We describe steps for cancer cell preparation, mouse analgesia and anesthesia; injecting through intrasplenic, intraportal, and intravenous techniques; and daily evaluation of metastasis.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Giannou et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.