In Vivo Tumor Models
Charles River’s experience with oncology drug discovery spans all phases, from target identification to IND studies. Utilizing the most effective combination of tools available to identify promising compounds, we work with our partners to design studies by selecting from amongst a broad range of well-characterized tumor models.
In Vivo Cancer Models:
- Cell line-derived xenograft models in mice and rats
- Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models
- Syngeneic models
- Humanized mice tumor models
- Orthotopic models
- Single mouse trials
- Cachexia models
- Graft versus Host models
- Immuno-oncology pharmacodynamic models
Combining these cancer models with appropriate translational tools like ELISpot, flow cytometry, imaging, gene expression analysis, and tumor microdialysis, you can develop the most efficient, relevant study design and screening method to identify promising compounds and optimize lead candidates.
Before entering traditional in vivo efficacy models, using pharmacodynamic models helps to ensure target engagement and immune modulation e.g., adoptive T cell transfer and Graft vs Host (GvHD) models. Cost-effective 2D and 3D assays allow you to screen compounds before entering in vivo tumor models.
AACR Annual Meeting 2021
No matter the circumstances, cancer patients are waiting on new therapies. Browse this year's collection of scientific posters and resources so your oncology research can continue moving forward.
Accelerated In Vivo Screening of Early Compounds and Combination Therapies
New implantable microdevice (IMD) technology available through our partnership with Kibur Medical enhances your in vivo tumor studies the ability to efficiently and cost effectively administer and measure the effects of drugs injected directly into tumors. When used in animal models in the preclinical setting, this translational technology drives decisions with data that answers challenging questions about your drug’s performance – alone or in comparison/combination with other therapies – within the tumor microenvironment.
Implantable Microdevice Technology
In vivo implantable microdevice for oncology in vivo tumor models
Delivering microdoses of multiple drugs directly to diseased tissue, Kibur’s IMD allows us to measure the real-time effects of therapy on the surrounding tissue. Predict an optimal drug regimen, faster and at lower cost by simultaneously screening multiple combinations in a single animal.
Multiple micro-chambers in each device can be loaded with up to 18 different drugs per tumor (single agents or combination therapies). Designed to detect local drug effects in disease tissue in vivo, IMD technology offers numerous advantages:
- Investigate more compounds per study
- Minimize mouse requirements
- Make decisions faster
- Obtain and monitor precise spatial-specific data on local effects of therapy
- Screen early-stage compounds for efficacy/PD in a variety of disease contexts/tissues/organs
- Screen or study multiple drugs in addition to systemic treatment
- Test drugs which can't be tested systemically because of PK or toxicology
Download our datasheet on Intratumor microdevices for highly multiplexed in situ drug response measurements.
Charles River is driving oncology drug discovery across a range of modalities including small molecules, immune therapies, biologics, cell therapies. At our BSL2 facilities we're even working on viral vectors and cancer vaccines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cancer Models
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What are cancer models?
Cancer models are in vivo mouse models to test and support the development of novel anti-cancer compounds. There are often tumor models using either mouse tumor material (syngeneic models) or human tumor material (Cell line derived xenograft and Patient derived xenograft models), which can be utilized to test the efficacy of cancer treatments.
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Which cancer model is the best for my program?
The best choice of cancer models will depend on the specific anti-cancer compound. For example, if you are working with an immunotherapy, then either a syngeneic or humanized model is best, but if your compound has a human target that does not cross react with other species then a humanized mouse tumor model is most advantageous. For a truly translational model, patient-derived xenografts are the gold stanard, as these tumor models preserve the heterogeneity and other characteristics of the patient tumor.
To help decide which model to use for your study contact Charles River.
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Which assays should I run before entering in vivo cancer models?
Before entering in vivo mouse models it is essential to learn more about your anti-cancer compound; 2D and 3D tumor models can be used to pre-screen cancer treatments. If the compound is an immunotherapy, we can use a range of immuno-oncology assays to determine the mechanism of action, ensuring you progress the best version of your drug into in vivo cancer models and onto the clinic.