Table 1

Comparison of Three Test Systems: In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo model.


In Vitro
Animal Model
Living Test Tube

Cost Effective
+ + +
- - -
+ +
Realistically Mimic In Vivo
- - -
+ + +
+ + +
Assay Multiple Time Points
+ + +
-/+
+ + +
3 Dimensional Integration
- - -
+ + +
+ +
Real-Time Monitor
+ +
- -
+ + +
High Throughput Screening
+ + +
- - -
+ +
Ethical (Animal)
+ + +
- - -
+

Li and Loudon Cancer Cell International 2008 8:9   doi:10.1186/1475-2867-8-9