ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a stable high red fluorescent protein (RFP)-expressing orthotopic transplantation nude mice spontaneous metastasis model of pancreatic cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Stable high RFP-expressing cells SW1990-RFP were injected subcutaneously into mice to establish subcutaneous implantation model. Fluorescent tumor piece from subcutaneous was transplanted into the body of the pancreas to establish surgical orthotopic implantation model. The growth of primary tumor, metastasis and micrometastasis were assessed by whole-body fluorescence imaging system.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twelve RFP orthotopic transplantation nude mice metastasis models of pancreatic cancer were established successfully, the percentage of success rate was 100%. RFP-labeled pancreatic cancer growth could be monitored in real time way. The micrometastasis of primary lesions were detected in early stage with whole-body fluorescence imaging system.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The RFP orthotopic transplantation nude mice metastasis model of pancreatic cancer is stable and reliable, and can be observed dynamically in vitro in a noninvasive way, with much higher sensitivity and specificity.</p>