CAL-62 Cells

The CAL-62 cell line was established from the right lobe of the thyroid gland of a 70-year-old Caucasian woman in 1988 and has been extensively used in the study of thyroid anaplastic carcinoma. These human epithelial-like cells exhibit a distinctive monolayer growth pattern and demonstrate pronounced tumorigenic properties, making them a significant model for in vivo studies of thyroid cancer progression. When transplanted into immunodeficient nude mice, CAL-62 cells have shown a robust capability to form tumors, providing a practical and effective model to analyze tumor dynamics and evaluate potential therapeutic strategies in real-time biological settings.

Characterized by a rapid proliferation rate with a doubling time of approximately 24 hours, CAL-62 enables accelerated research outputs in studies that are time-sensitive, enhancing the efficiency of experimental workflows in cancer research. Genetic characterization of this cell line reveals the presence of the KRAS p.G12R mutation and alterations at the 9p21.3 locus, indicating complex genetic underpinnings associated with thyroid anaplastic carcinoma. This cell line’s stable epithelial phenotype and inherent radioresistance further underscore its utility in uncovering novel insights into the pathophysiology of aggressive thyroid cancers and in the development of new therapeutic modalities. The unique attributes of CAL-62, including its aggressive tumor-forming ability and genetic markers, make it a pivotal resource in the ongoing efforts to better understand and treat thyroid anaplastic carcinoma.