Oncology

In 2003, we pioneered the use of multi-modality, imaging services for oncology research. Our resident expertise in oncology pharmacology, combined with our tumor-model capabilities, provide a solid platform from which to apply relevant, and powerful imaging methodologies to enhance the discovery decision-making process.

Our tumor bank contains multiple examples of all major tumor types, many of which have been characterized for important genetic and molecular markers and targets. In addition, we maintain a database of tumor-model responses to a range of therapeutic interventions, which facilitates appropriate model selection and study-design optimization.

We frequently establish, and validate, imaging-enabled custom models (e.g. luciferase or fluorescent-protein-expressing models). We also have access to a number of external tumor repositories and also have licenses with Caliper Life Sciences/PerkinElmer and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, which allows us access to all of their luciferase-transfected lines. In addition, we accept client models after appropriate pathogen screening. Our continually-expanding list of tumor models includes subcutaneous, orthotopic, metastatic and systemic tumor models.

  • Subcutaneous Tumor Models

    Subcutaneous tumor models have played an important role in cancer drug discovery for many years. We offer a large catalog (>100) of syngeneic and human xenograft models, including drug-resistant and specialty models, and continually validate new models. Caliper-based methods are used to evaluate tumor growth and imaging methods are used for functional and mechanistic information. Existing models, enabled for subcutaneous implant, cover a wide range of histotypes including:

    • Brain
    • Breast
    • Colon
    • Leukemia
    • Lymphoma
    • Lung
    • Melanoma
    • Ovarian
    • Pancreas
    • Prostate

  • Orthotopic Models

    An expanding body of data indicates that the response of tumor cells to targeted therapies often depends on the type of proliferative and survival signals that the cells receive from the local environment. The context in which the cell resides matters and discovery research increasingly requires the use of orthotopic and transgenic models. We offer highly-reproducible orthotopic models for the following tissue types:

    • Brain
    • Breast
    • Leukemia
    • Lung
    • Lymphoma
    • Pancreas
    • Prostate

    The deep tissue location of the tumors in these model systems makes the assessment of anticancer activity difficult without the use of anatomical-imaging techniques. Traditional methods require the sacrifice of large cohorts of animals, at different time points, to attempt to track tumor progression, metastatic spread, and response to therapy. Imaging technology advancements allow for the non-invasive, real-time imaging of orthotopic tumors with greater speed and fewer animals than traditional methods. We employ preclinical MRI, CT, PET, fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging to track orthotopic or spontaneous tumors. Imaging technologies can be combined in orthotopic models to track the response of a tumor to therapy at the anatomic, functional or molecular (mechanism-of-action) levels.

  • Metastasis Models

    Metastatic disease accounts for the majority of cancer-related mortality. Genes and proteins involved in metastasis represent potential therapeutic targets. Our tumor portfolio contains a number of proprietary, efficient, and reproducible metastasis models. MRI, CT, PET and optical-imaging technologies provide rapid, non-invasive, highly-efficient and accurate determination of drug response in these models. In particular, bioluminescence imaging, through the use of luciferase-engineered tumor lines, is a highly-efficient methodology for tracking metastatic tumors. Our access to a large panel of luciferase-expressing tumor lines facilitates this imaging technique. The metastasis models we use are evaluated for reproducible growth characteristics in vivo and are available for both preventative and staged-treatment testing. Established metastasis model types include:

    • Intracardiac cell injection
    • Intravenous cell injection
    • Peritibial implantation
    • Spontaneous metastasis from implanted solid tumors

    These models cover the following transmission modes:

    • Breast → Lung (including spontaneous metastasis)
    • Breast → Lymph Nodes (including spontaneous metastasis)
    • Breast → Bone
    • Colon → Liver
    • Melanoma → Lung (both syngeneic and human xenograft models)
    • Prostate → Bone

    We continually develop, and optimize, new metastasis models. Contact us if you have a model you would like to use, or validate, for your research.

  • Systemic Tumor Models

    Leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma are currently areas of active interest for drug discovery and development. We offer several systemic tumor models established through intravenous cell injection. In addition, our licenses with Caliper Life Sciences/Perkin Elmer and Dana Farber Cancer Institute give us access to a broad panel of characterized, luciferase-expressing leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma tumor models. Commonly, optical imaging, such as bioluminescence imaging in conjunction with luciferase-expressing tumor lines, is used to:

    1. Triage and stage these models.
    2. Assess systemic tumor burden and response to therapy.
    3. Assess local solid tumor burden and response to therapy by tissue.