Experimental Models and Breast in Contemporary Medicine

Globally, breast cancer (BC) causes one of the highest burdens on society, as younger women and their families face a tumultuous path between diagnosis, treatment and recovery. More visibly, it has originated various theories over the years as to causes, presentation and dissemination. As a heterogeneous disease, understanding breast cancer remains a challenge, especially for treatment. In the last few decades, we have seen an incredible increment in the results of BC treatment, particularly in the five-year and 10-year survival rates. Much of the knowledge which has con­tributed to this advancement is due to experimental models (EM). Initial animal/cellular EM investigations were heavily focused on the development of biological assays. However, several characteristics have conditioned the suitability of these models but they have been useful in the understanding of this disease. The progress necessary for good treatment results has included better surgical approaches. The mprovements seen in surgical procedures have been related to a significantly better understanding of the lesions at the time of surgery, more information from biopsy, better imaging and planning procedures, appropriate surgical margins and prognosis through the sentinel lymph node biopsy. Surgical approach today, while supporting all oncologic principles, has allowed for more opportunities for breast conservation with improved esthetic results by resorting to plastic surgical techniques. The term coined to describe breast cancer surgery today is ‘oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery’. We are presently at a cross­road where experimental models are under an enormous reformulation. Experimental models are no longer reserved for investigation. They can be extremely useful for acquiring surgical skills. The discovery of new biomaterials, 3D printers and mixed reality has boosted the search for new experimental models to apply to BC research, diagnosis, and treatment. The acquisition of more complex surgical skills has also led to a generation of novel approaches to BC. Non-animal models will become sufficiently similar as to replicate the human in which skills can be tested and practiced on and allow the user an almost real-life experience. The authors consider the different strategies using EM for BC research and the acquisition of surgical skills.