PURPOSE: We aimed to develop a novel method for orthotopic colon cancer model, 
using tissue adhesive in place of conventional surgical method.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: RFP HCT 116 cell line were used to establish the colon 
cancer model. Fresh tumor tissue harvested from a subcutaneous injection was 
grafted into twenty nude mice, divided into group A (suture method) and group B 
(tissue adhesive method). For the group A, we fixed the tissue on the serosa 
layer of proximal colon by 8-0 surgical suture. For the group B, tissue adhesive 
(10 μL) was used to fix the tumor. The mortality, tumor implantation success, 
tumor metastasis, primary tumor size, and operation time were compared between 
the two groups. Dissected tumor tissue was analyzed for the histology and 
immunohistochemistry. Also, we performed tumor marker analysis.
RESULTS: We observed 30% increase in graft success and 20% decrease in 
mortality, by using tissue adhesive method, respectively. The median colon tumor 
size was significantly increased by 4 mm and operation time was shortened by 6.5 
minutes. The H&E showed similar tumor structure between the two groups. The 
immunohistochemistry staining for cancer antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, 
cytokeratin 20, and Ki-67 showed comparable intensities in both groups. 
Real-time quantitative reverse transcription analysis showed eight out of nine 
tumor markers are unchanged in the tissue adhesive group. Western blot indicated 
the tissue adhesive group expressed less p-JNK (apototic marker) and more 
p-MEK/p-p38 (proliferation marker) levels.
CONCLUSION: We concluded the tissue adhesive method is a quick and safe way to 
generate orthotopic, colon cancer model.