Immuno-oncology models and services
From cell lines to organoids and mouse models, we offer integrated drug development
InnoSer’s immuno-oncology research services seamlessly combine a broad range of in vitro and in vivo platforms, providing coherent drug discovery and development pipelines. Experts in the field maintain close communication with you for conducting assays that optimally answer your research question. Your studies will also benefit from our validated in vivo imaging and (digital) pathology solutions.
Our methods are particularly valuable for medium to low throughput compound testing, with thorough examinations and eventual efficacy, dosing, and toxicology analyses. All of these methods help focus resources on the most promising compounds and accelerate the drug development process in a reliable manner.
Valuable aspects of InnoSer’s immuno-oncology pipelines:
- Test your compounds coherently both in vitro and in vivo, using the same starting material.
- Optimal study design and execution by experts
- Flexible partner enabling customized readouts
- High content imaging for in vitro and Bioluminescence imaging for in vivo
- A full suite of (digital) histopathology assessments
- Access to our unique biobank samples
Oncology Models Overview
Cell Lines
Patient-Derived Organoids
Patient-Derived Xenografts
Cell Line-Derived Xenografts
In vitro cell assays
InnoSer offers a selection of commercially available cancer cell lines ideal for progressing your compound from a hit to a lead candidate. These lines can be applied in either 2D, for medium-throughput drug screening, or integrated within a 3D matrix as spheroids. Key readouts may include biomarker analyses, cytotoxicity, cell migration, and proliferation assays among other functional assays that can be quantitatively assessed serving as early indicators of your investigational drug. Baseline comparisons can be decided on a case-by-case basis and will include a panel of standard-of-care therapies.
Cell line derived xenografts
Cell line-derived xenografts (CDX) are an effective way of establishing a therapeutic proof-of-concept be it in vivo rather than in vitro. Applications include candidate screening (efficacy and PK/PD studies), combing with subcutaneous or orthotopic implantation for deeper insights, and a range of oncology indications including cell-based therapies. Tumor growth is monitored closely by InnoSer’s experienced biotechnical staff. The most commonly used readouts are growth curves using bioluminescent imaging or calipers.
Syngeneic Models
Humanized Mouse Models
Orthotopic Models
Metastatic Models
Orthotopic Models
Here cells, tumor fragments or organoids are grafted into the nich of origin of immune-compromised or immuno-competent mice i.e. pancreatic tumor to pancreas. These models are provided as a progression on either a CDX, PDX or syngeneic models. This method is more complex than subcutaneous transplantation, however, it allows for a more physiological representation of primary tumor pathophysiology as well as the pharmacokinetic traits at the primary site. These features can be leveraged to optimize the delivery of anti-cancer drugs to the target organ or to develop compounds that act via other components of the primary niche. The sub-primary tumors are followed closely with BLI imaging.
Metastatic Models
These models have the capability to model the metastatic cascade whilst being closely monitored providing in-depth insights on the efficacy of the compound being tested. Being labelled with a fluorescent tag allows us to track these cells over time. Metastatic cancer cells have distinct properties which makes this model very suitable to effectively test therapeutics aimed at inhibiting pathways or genes associated with metastatic behavior.
Find the right model for you.
Compare our model capabilities and discover which of our oncology platforms suits your research needs
Oncology research with InnoSer
Powered by imaging capabilities
Particularly in vivo imaging has become a valuable tool for collecting mid-study data in animal studies. These non-invasive methods can be applied with high sensitivity and in real-time. With InnoSer’s imaging capabilities, track tumorigenicity, tumor progression, metastasis, tumor volume and quantify your immune cell populations. Read more >>
Smart pathological assessment
Enhance the translation value of your cancer research with a histopathological assessment of clinically relevant biomarkers. We can provide insights into the tumor microenvironment, inflammation, and fibrosis using sound techniques and expert application. Supported by digital workflows for efficient and accurate results our histopathology services will see your research enhanced through technology. Read more >>
Fast study initiation with timely and insightful updates
Tumor models are quickly set up upon agreement with our dedicated oncology study team. Timely updates enable you to closely follow the progression of your project. Supported by close communication channels to our experts that help inform and guide your research, we can consult on relevant endpoint analysis and help guide and inform your research with our niche expertise.
Biobanking and
Patient Derived Platforms
With its two components, patient derived mouse xenografts (PDX) and patient derived organoids (PDO) that are thoroughly characterized in the same manner, PDX/O platform provides a closer to clinic double model (in vitro and in vivo) of the same parental tumor.
Molecular subtyping in combination with patient diagnostic information allows you to target patient variation and focus your preclinical research whilst building a robust prediction of patient outcomes.
Our growing biobank with samples including pulmonary, pancreatic, biliary, hepatic, gastric, and esophageal origins form the basis of validated models.
Our extensive characterization and periodic quality controls ensure that the best in vitro system of disease models is available at your disposal.
With access to our unique biology and expanding biobank, our PDXO platform can inform accurate decision-making during your preclinical oncology research.
Use our unique PDXO database to;
- Perform proof of concept studies
- Gain confidence moving your compound into clinical trials
- Seamlessly progress your research from in vitro to in vivo
- Simultaneously test in both in vitro and in vivo environments
Interested in the diagnostics, parental genome and growth curves for our validated PDXO platforms
Immuno-oncology services
An important field within cancer research is dedicated to developing therapeutics that leverage components of the immune system, such as T-Cells (CAR-T) and Immune-Checkpoints (Anti-CTL4, Anti-PD1), to fight cancer. Regular cell experiments and xenograft models are not suitable for such applications as they lack these critical components. InnoSer offers a selection of assays and tumor models aimed at developing immuno-oncology (IO) drugs.
In vivo based models
A key step for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches is testing novel cancer immunotherapies in predictive animal models in conjunction with the immune system to enhance anti-tumor responses
Syngeneic Models
Syngeneic mouse models provide a comprehensive effective approach for in vivo efficacy studies as well as determining mechanisms of action and safety profile of candidate immunotherapeutics, in the presence of a functionally immunocompetent system. Many lines are fluorescently labeled allowing for effective follow-up even at distant sites.
Humanized Mouse Model
Humanized tumor models are an important improvement upon syngeneic models advised in final stages of advanced preclinical development. These models are based on the use of cell lines or primary materials that are inoculated in mice with a reconstituted human immune system. This reconstitution may be either achieved with human PBMCs or with CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells. This model provides an opportunity for unique model development with distinct patient tissues of your choosing for an accurate and specific analysis on tumor modelling in the presence of a human immune system.
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) analyses
PBMCs are critical components of the immune system that can give a selective response to carcinogenesis. This makes them a powerful tool not only to assess the toxicity of compounds and their potential adverse effects on the immune system but also to drive the development of cancer vaccines and immunotherapies. Assays that can be performed using PBMCs include:
- Immunoassays – ELISA, FIA
- T cell-dependent antibody response assay
- Hematopoietic stem cell CFU assay
- Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry
The people behind the models
Celine Erens, Oncology Study Director
An expert team led by our immuno-oncology study director, Celine Erens helps you choose the right tools and set up optimal study designs. Curating the preclinical testing of your lead compounds with a deep understanding of the field is your solution to accelerating your drug development.
Oncology board members
Prof. Dr. Esther Wolfs
A member of InnoSer’s Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Wolfs is a leading researcher in stem cell therapy. Currently a professor at the University of Hasselt, Ester uses stem cells in anticancer therapy and as a model to study Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A.
MD, PhD Marije Slingerland
A member of InnoSer’s Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Slingerland from Leiden University Medical Center focuses on clinical trials in gastrointestinal cancer and in head and neck cancer, particularly on intratumoral immune parameters.
AAALAC Accreditation
InnoSer has earned the AAALAC accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to responsible animal care and use. AAALAC International is a nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. Our accreditation is valid for three years, incl. 2023. Read more about the AAALAC accreditation programme here.
Animal Welfare
The 3Rs impact everything from policy and regulatory change to the development and uptake of new technologies and approaches. This is why Innoser has ongoing commitment and monitoring of these processes. The steps we practice maximize our ability to replace, reduce and refine animal involvement and facilitate our commitment to these principles when it comes to research and drug development.
Related Resources
A day in the life of InnoSer Oncology Study Director Kim Frederix
InnoSer is at AACR with its Oncology Offerings
Introducing InnoSer's Acceleration Program (ISAP)
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