Xenotransplantation of human tumor tissue into immunocompromised mice provides cancer-specific xenograft models for pre-clinical drug development of anti-tumor therapies and novel oncology medicines. We provide both patient derived xenograft services (PDX Models) and tumor chemosensitivity xenograft testing services. Xenograft experiments based on validated CDX xenograft animal models (cell line derived xenografts) are a potent research tool in oncology, performing a critical task in evaluation of novel cancer therapies as part of the translation from bench to clinic. Researchers utilize these services to identify anti-tumor activity of newly developed therapeutic compounds and to characterize the direct involvement of specific proteins in tumor growth control.

Available Xenograft Models by Altogen Labs^®:

Human tumor xenograft models are used for new drug discovery and development, and are extremely useful tools in oncology. These models can be used for general treatment research and for identifying the details of tumor growth and development. Xenograft models are also widely used for personalized cancer treatment set up and tests, as their cancerous cells are similar to those of the original tumor. Xenograft model techniques allow in vivo tests on human tumors, not on mouse tumors, which may not have the same response on a particular drug or dose concentration.

Studies with xenotransplantation can be used to measure the activity of compounds based on the rate of growth exhibited by the engrafted tumors. Experimental targets may be tumors that originate from specific tissues such as breast, colon or lung. A multitude of tissue specific models exist and more are being developed. Altogen Labs has the expertise to utilize these models and any new models as they become available. In addition, we will work with the client to develop novel cancer models to address the client’s needs. CDX model studies can be highly complex, starting with the selection of appropriate animal model, appropriate tumorigenic cell line choice, administration method and the complex analysis of tumor growth. We utilize our years of experience in xenotransplantation studies in house at Altogen Labs to aid our clients in the planning and execution of experiments.

Researchers investigating the role of specific proteins or gene products in regulating tumor growth will benefit from Altogen Labs xenograft services as well as generation of stable cell lines services. Cell lines genetically engineered to ectopically express proteins, tumor suppressors or oncogenes can be used in xenograft studies to directly test the role of specific proteins in regulating tumor growth.

Cell lines can be engineered to constitutively express proteins or to inducibly express proteins. Genetically engineered cells are not limited to ectopic expression of proteins but can also be used for expression of inhibitory RNAs (RNAi). Altogen Labs offers stable RNAi cell line development for gene knockdown experiments. Both constitutive and inducible expression systems can be employed in xenografting studies.

In addition, Altogen Labs has a unique protein expression detection service (automated and quantitative) that facilitates biomarker validation of xenograft tumors. The WES protein expression system of immunodetection can be used to analyze xenograft biopsy samples with large panels of antibodies. We also provide an array of other mRNA and protein expression services (qRT-PCR, ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western Blot, etc).

Animal handling and maintenance at the Altogen Labs facility is IACUC regulated compliant to GLP standards. Detailed experimental procedures, health reports and data reports provided. Additional services includes collection of tissues, histology, isolation of DNA/RNA and analysis of gene expression. Furthermore, animal facilities have the flexibility to use specialized food or water systems for inducible gene expression systems.

Request xenograft formal project quotation from Altogen Labs CRO.

Metastatic Models

In Vivo Xenograft CRO

Our in vivo contract research services (biology CRO services) feature a variety of custom services utilizing xenograft mouse models. Xenograft models are used to assess the effectiveness of test compounds against a range of cancers at various stages. These test articles are tested on staged tumor growths of subcutaneous or orthotopic engrafted tumors. Our xenograft services measure the efficacy of drugs using immunocompromised rodents to evaluate the potency of novel anti-cancer compunds. We strive to continually expand and improve upon our CRO services. We provide in vivo xenograft services to develop treatments for cancer, diabetes, infection diseases, obesity, immunology and inflammation. Our expert staff can provide you with comprehensive experiment procedures, health reports and related experimental data.

Powerful, Active and Adaptable Xenograft Models

The xenograft models used at our facility are suitable for a variety of dose regimens. We can employ test compounds and test biologics to assess the efficacy of all types of treatments. We have a broad, in-house range of tumor models that let our staff set up new ameliorative agents quickly. Our xenograft studies have been created to classify lead compounds, perfect doses and their schedules, as well as determine the best combination strategies. Our scientists have decade’s worth of experience and are uniquely qualified to help you select the most appropriate model for your needs. We will work with you to design experiments. These are some common experiments we undertake:

• Tumor growth delay (latency, TGD)
• Tumor growth inhibition (TGI)
• Toxicity
• Survival
• Combination approaches

Once we have completed a xenograft study, an all-inclusive report is provided to the client that includes methods, results, discussion and raw data along with statistical analysis.

In Vivo Pharmacology Testing Facility

Our state-of-the-art testing facility offers adaptable, cost-effective, all-inclusive and first-rate pre-clinical effectiveness testing services. Our abilities include:

• Testing of many medicinal substances including antibodies, siRNAs and treatment regimens
• Induction of specific xenograft model (chemical, genetic, and/or spontaneous)
• Administration of dosage by all usual routes
• Acquiring blood, serum, urine and feces for in vivo assessment
• Performing necropsies and assembling tissues for histopathology, immunohistochemistry, blood chemistry, etc
• Executing clients’ custom-created protocols
• Performing a broad health observation program
• Using cutting-edge micro-injection techniques and pump-controlled IV injection equipment