Technical and Advisory Services Provided

• Cell lines and tumor tissues: We maintain a large repository of commonly used murine and human cell lines and tumor tissues.
• Xenografts: We establish xenograft models from cell lines, organoids or tumor samples provided by the investigator or supplied through our repository. Methodologies for cell/tissue implantation include subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intravenous, intracardiac, intradermal, intramuscle, and orthotopic (lung, liver, stomach, pancreas, colon, thyroid, spleen, kidney, bladder, bone, brain, prostate, mammary fat pads, ovary).
• Patient-derived xenografts (PDX): We establish xenograft models directly from patient tumor samples obtained during surgery/biopsy. Successfully engrafted tumors are propagated by serial transplantation, cryopreserved for future use, and annotated in a dedicated database.
• Patient-derived Organoids (PDO) and Cell lines: We establish organoid cultures and cell lines directly from patient tumor samples obtained during surgery/biopsy. Established lines are characterized and utilized for drug combination assays.
• Efficacy studies: We evaluate efficacy of novel agents either alone or in combination with other therapeutics in mouse models of cancer (murine tumors, human tumor xenografts, and transgenic mouse models). Tumor size is monitored by caliper measurement (for subcutaneous xenografts) and/or in vivo imaging (for disseminated and orthotopic models).
• Compound formulation/delivery: Compounds are formulated for in vivo delivery using a variety of vehicles and are administered by multiple routes, including oral gavage, intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intratumor delivery, and by food and/or drinking water. Additionally, Alzet osmotic minipumps are implanted for continuous drug delivery, and slow-release hormone pellets are implanted subcutaneously.
• Rodent toxicology: We provide determination of maximum-tolerated dose after single dose or chronic exposure as required for tolerance profiling of candidate agents.
• Rodent toxicology: We conduct GLP-compliant single-dose or repeat-dose safety-toxicology studies in support of Investigational New Drug Applications.
• PK/PD studies: Upon compound administration (in mice, rats, and dogs), plasma, organs, and tumor samples are collected at multiple time points to assess bioavailability and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile of therapeutic agents.
• PK studies: We determine drug concentration in plasma and tumor samples in support of Phase I clinical trials
• Data management: The facility provides computerized comprehensive management of all experimental data, digital photography of experimental animals and samples, and relevant biostatistical support.
• Consultation: The facility head provides assistance with study design and data analysis, IACUC Protocols preparation, writing of manuscripts, grant applications, and pharmacology/toxicology sections of Investigational New Drug Applications and Phase I clinical reports.
• Technical assistance: The facility provides technical assistance on all aspects of in vivo studies, including rodent surgeries, tumor cell implantation, tumor transplantation, bone marrow transplants, drug formulation and administration (e.g., intravenous, intraperitoneal, oral, intratumor, subcutaneous, intramuscle), radiation therapy, in vivo imaging (x-ray, IVIS bioluminescence, ultrasound, MRI and PET), hematology and clinical chemistry analyses, collection of fluids (e.g., blood, urine), and collection and preservation of tissues/organs for either DNA/RNA/protein or HIC analysis.

Services of the Antitumor Assessment Core Facility are available on a first-come, first-served basis to all investigators at Memorial Sloan Kettering. All requests for services must first be approved by the facility head, who also helps investigators in planning the studies to be conducted and provides them with an estimate of the final cost. Specialized requirements of individual investigators are considered on a case-by-case basis following evaluation of feasibility by the facility management.