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The first in vivo tumor models were developed in the mid-1960s. These models were mouse leukemia models grown as ascites. The growth pattern was like that of bacteria in vivo and therefore it was possible to apply similar mathematics of growth and response to these tumors as had been worked out for bacteria. Since the development of the murine leukemia models, investigators have devoted a large effort to modeling solid tumors in mice. There are now a variety of models including syngeneic mouse tumors and human tumor xenografts grown as subcutaneous nodules, syngeneic mouse tumors and human tumor xenografts grown in orthotopic sites, models of disseminated disease, ``labeled΄΄ tumor models that can be visualized using varied technologies, and transgenic tumor models. The value of these models depends upon the application of rigorous experimental design and data analysis. The endpoints used can be in situ or excision. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages to the ``drug hunter΄΄ searching for improved treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]