Rebuilding cancer metastasis in the mouse

► We describe currently used cellular and ex vivo assays of metastasis. ► We discuss syngeneic and xenograft transplantation mouse models of metastasis. ► We illustrate genetically engineered mice that recapitulate metastatic cancer. ► Mouse models are valuable tools for dissecting the multistage process of metastasis. ► Novel technologies are available to monitor and investigate tumor metastasis.