In Vivo Tumor Model Services
Preclinical Oncology Services

In Vivo Tumor Model Services

Evaluate CAR-T cell persistence and anti-leukemic activity in physiologically relevant AML xenograft and syngeneic mouse models to de-risk preclinical development.

In Vivo Tumor Model Service Overview

Our In Vivo Tumor Model Service provides preclinical pharmacology groups and oncology drug developers with robust, whole-organism platforms to assess the efficacy, trafficking, and persistence of CAR-T cell therapies against acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Using immunodeficient or immunocompetent mice, we establish human tumor xenografts from cell lines or patient-derived tissues, as well as syngeneic mouse tumor models. These systems recapitulate the tumor microenvironment and systemic interactions, enabling you to generate critical PK/PD and efficacy data for your therapeutic candidates.

Tumor establishment follows standard methodologies: single-cell suspensions prepared in PBS mixed 1:1 with Matrigel are injected subcutaneously on the flank or abdomen, or orthotopically into the relevant organ site. Tumor growth is monitored regularly by caliper measurement or bioluminescence imaging. For models requiring serial passaging, tumors are excised, digested with an enzyme cocktail (DNase I, trypsin inhibitor, papain), and re-implanted into recipient mice; additional cells can be cryopreserved as viable frozen stocks for future studies. Syngeneic models are also available for immuno-oncology applications where an intact host immune system is required.

This service is designed to support preclinical de-risking by providing comprehensive in vivo data on anti-leukemic activity, CAR-T cell biodistribution, and tumor microenvironment characterization. Each project is scoped in consultation with our team to match your specific model requirements and endpoints.

Key Capabilities

Subcutaneous & Orthotopic Implantation

Establish tumors via flank/abdomen SQ injection or orthotopic implantation into the specific organ site. Cell suspension volumes of 50–100 µL with Matrigel, typical cell numbers scoped per project.

Syngeneic & Xenograft Models

Immunocompromised xenograft (CDX or PDX) or immunocompetent syngeneic models available. Evaluate CAR-T efficacy in AML with a functioning immune microenvironment when required.

Tumor Passaging & Biobanking

Serial passaging of tumor fragments from donor to recipient mice, plus cryopreservation of tumor stocks. Ensures consistent model availability for longitudinal studies.

How It Works

Tumor Cell Preparation Human tumor cell lines or patient-derived tissues are dissociated into a single-cell suspension using an enzyme cocktail. Cells are mixed 1:1 with Matrigel (non-phenol red, low growth factor) and placed on ice for immediate implantation.
Implantation A volume of 50–100 µL containing 2–5 million cells is injected subcutaneously on the flank or abdomen, or orthotopically into the target organ. Wounds are closed with suture or wound clips according to standard surgical protocols.
Tumor Monitoring & Passaging Tumor growth is measured 2–3 times per week using calipers or bioluminescence imaging. When tumors reach defined endpoints, they may be excised, digested, and passaged to recipient mice for serial expansion. Viable tumor stocks are frozen for future use.

Deliverables & Scope

Parameter Typical Project Scope
Tumor Model Type Cell line-derived xenograft (CDX), patient-derived xenograft (PDX), or syngeneic mouse tumor model; scoped per project.
Implantation Route Subcutaneous (flank/abdomen), orthotopic (organ-specific), mammary fat pad, or tail vein (metastasis model); confirmed in study design.
Number of Animals Determined by study endpoints and statistical power requirements; project-dependent.
Tumor Growth Monitoring Caliper measurement (2–3×/week) and/or bioluminescence imaging; frequency scoped per project.
Tissue Collection & Processing Tumor excision, digestion, and passaging; plus optional paraffin embedding and sectioning for histology.

Why Choose Our Service

Broad Model Portfolio

Access a wide spectrum of in vivo tumor models including subcutaneous, orthotopic, mammary fat pad, metastasis, and teratoma models. Our platform accommodates both cell line-derived and patient-derived xenografts, as well as syngeneic mouse tumor models for immuno-oncology.

Serial Passaging & Biobanking

Established protocols for tumor passaging ensure consistent graft take rates. Enzymatic digestion (DNase I, trypsin inhibitor, papain) and cryopreservation preserve viable tumor stocks, allowing longitudinal studies and model expansion without re-derivation.

Syngeneic Expertise

Leverage our experience with syngeneic mouse tumor models for straightforward in vivo efficacy studies in immuno-oncology. A comprehensive platform to characterize immune response in the context of CAR-T or other immunotherapeutic agents.

Flexible Endpoint Design

Study parameters—implantation route, cell number, monitoring schedule, tissue collection—are scoped with you at project initiation. No fixed packages; custom study designs are welcome.

Service Overview

In Vivo Tumor Models – Stanford TKT Center

View article

Ready to Advance Your Preclinical Program?

Contact our team to discuss how our in vivo tumor model service can support your CAR-T or immuno-oncology candidate evaluation. We will work with you to design a study that meets your specific endpoints.

Contact Our Team
For Research Only.