Oncology Models

 

Indeed, there are hundreds of cell lines, various mouse strains, multiple implantation techniques that can be utilized in a xenograft model. We offer xenograft models of lymphoma, leukemia, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, melanoma, and other indications. These can be run in nude or SCID mice as well as in the nude rat. Depending on the needs of the study and the mechanism of action of the molecules, these tumors can be implanted subcutaneously, orthotopically, within the sub-renal capsule or, in some cases, run as a metastatic model. Importantly, as we have experience in both large and small molecule therapeutics, our team is well trained on the various dosing methods and regimes required for these studies.

 

If the mechanism of action requires in intact immune system, the immuno-compromised setting required for a xenograft model will not be appropriate for efficacy assessment. In such cases, syngeneic models, where the strain of the derived tumor cell line and the host animal are the same, may be more appropriate.

 

Recently, efforts have been made to create oncology models that more closely represent the biology and therapeutic responses observed in human patients. To that end, models have been generated in which tumor tissue derived directly from human patients is implanted and grown in immuno-compromised mice. This type of model is referred to as a “Patient Derived Xenograft” or a PDX model.