ONCOTEST offers the largest collection of patient-derived tumor models worldwide. More than 2,000 tumor fragments from mostly chemonaive cancer patients have been transplanted into immuno-deficient nude mice, representing all major solid tumor types. We also offer a broad collection of cell line-derived and hematological tumor models representing all major histologies. In in vivo therapeutic studies, we determine the activity of a test compound in patient-derived tumors transplanted as tumor fragments subcutaneously or orthotopically in immunodeficient mice. These patient-derived tumor models typically retain important characteristics of the original patient tumors including histology, tumor architecture and drug sensitivity for at least 15 passages (for more information see Tumor Collection).

In Vivo Facilities

ONCOTEST has separate in vivo units for fee-for-service studies and for housing the patient-derived tumor collection including new xenograft model generation. All studies are conducted in accordance with the highest standards of animal health and husbandry in nude mice housed in individually ventilated cages (IVC). A high standard of hygiene and animal health is guaranteed by state-of-the-art procedures and close health monitoring. This includes frequent testing of sentinel mice exposed to the bedding of all cages) for most pathogens relevant for nude mice, and the testing of tumor xenografts for selected mouse pathogens (MAP and qPCR tests).