Tumor models

We propose not only subcutaneous tumor models but also original orthotopic tumor models in animal in which we induce lung cancer, colon cancer, pancreas cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancers, brain tumors, leukemia…

The orthotopic tumor models present a degree of complexity superior to classical pathological models. The implantation of tumor cells in their original tissue allows development of tumor comparable to human tumor with production of metastasis in a few weeks. Moreover, the same time course of development of tumor and metastasis than human is observed in animal.

 In vitro studies :

• Anti-proliferative tests;
• Topoisomerase I and II;
• Flow cytometry analysis: cell cycle and apoptosis;
• Specific markers by ICH: Proliferation marker, Ki-67; angiogenesis marker, CD-31, etc.

In vivo studies :

• Subcutaneous tumor models;
• Orthotopic tumor models;
• Original drug-resistant tumor models in vitro and in vivo.

Subcutaneous xenograft tumor models

Once your drug candidates are validated by our in vitro tests, the subcutaneous xenograft tumor models will be proposed in order to confirm the anti-cancer activity of your innovating compounds. Here are some of our subcutaneous xenograft tumor models:

• Ovarian cancer.
• Breast cancer.
• Lung cancer.
• Prostate cancer.
• Brain cancer.
• Gastric cancer.
• Pancreatic cancer.
• Colon cancer.
• Epidermoid carcinoma.
• Melanoma.
• Leukemia, etc.

Orthotopic models

Many studies have tested anti-proliferative effect and cancer specificity of drug candidates in vitro. According to NCI recommendations, selected in vitro molecules must demonstrate their efficiency on xenografted tumour cell lines in nude mice, before pre-clinical and clinical development.

In this model, tested molecules are often administered intra-peritonealy. Efficiency of drug candidates are determined based on the tumour growth inhibition after treatment, or total tumor regression. It has been established that subcutaneous tumours in mice don’t metastasize and develop around the injection. Further studies shown that the subcutaneous tumor chemotherapy sensitivity can be modified.

To resolve this problem, orthotopic xenografts (in original site) in mice have been fully developed at Cellvax.

The orthotopic tumor model presents a superior complexity degree compared to classical models. In fact, tumor cell lines implantation in their origin site allows the tumoral development comparable to human tumoral development with metastases formation in a few weeks. This model also allows to imitate sequential tumor development. The primary tumor develops in its origin site and metastasizes at distance. The metastasis formation is induced with the similar order as in human. Cellvax proposes to realise orthotopic models for your drug validation studies in breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, pancreas cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, glioblastoma…

Original drug-resistant tumor models in vitro and in vivo

Intrinsic or acquired tumor-mediated drug resistance is a major clinical problem that can result in the lack of tumor response to chemotherapy. In order to continuously improve the quality and the originality of Cellvax’s oncology services, we have successfully established several drug-resistant tumor models.