Methods

Details of dorsal skinfold window chamber design and surgical techniques remain largely unchanged from the original design9–10, except for minor modifications to improve the stability of the window fold tissue in the chamber (minimizing the chance of traumatic injury to the tissue) 12. For rat chambers, a flap of skin measuring 1 cm in diameter is dissected away from opposing surfaces of the dorsal skin flap of anesthetized rats, leaving a fascial plane with associated vasculature. The flaps are held vertically away from the body with an aluminum saddle, which is sutured to both sides of the flap. Tumor cells or small tumor pieces can be implanted into the window chamber. Anywhere from 1 to 104 tumor cells can be implanted with or without preabsorption onto Gelfoam (Upjohn, Kalamazoo, MI). Tumor pieces, ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 mm3 can be directly transplanted onto the fascial tissue. Alternatively, tissue-cultured cells in suspension can be transplanted onto the fascia.