Comparative Medicine: How We Work

• Sourcing:  We work with you to find a PDX model from a third party or from our own repository. We assist with logistics and regulatory paperwork, source immunocompromised NSG mice, and revive the model.
• Expansion:  We passage the model into a new cohort of NSG mice for stabilization, expansion, and cryobanking, always collecting samples for quality control and confirmation of diagnosis.
• Provision:  We collect tumors and tissues, pre-process them for fixation and cryopreservation, and hand off fresh samples to you for downstream processing (e.g., flow cytometry). We provide freshly harvested PDX tumors for your organoid and cell line work, cryopreserve samples in our tumor bank, and implant study cohorts.

• Acquisition:  Working with you and the IRB PI and collection team, we set up a pipeline to acquire patient biopsy or surgery resections to develop a PDX model.
• Implantation:  We implant the patient sample within hours of collection, taking samples for histopathology and PCR.
• Expansion:  As the model develops, we harvest samples for characterization, cryopreserve them, and passage into a second set of mice.
• Provision:  We provide freshly harvested PDX tumors for your organoid and cell line work, cryopreserve samples, and implant study cohorts.

1. Project Scope and Experimental Design

We begin by meeting with you to discuss your research goals, study objectives, and any specific constraints or requirements. From there, we collaborate to develop a tailored experimental plan. This includes model selection, endpoint definition, and timeline development to ensure methodological rigor and alignment with your research aims. As part of this process, we provide a detailed scope of work document with an estimated project cost to support planning and internal approvals.

2. Compliance and Operations

We provide support to navigate the regulatory and logistical requirements of in vivo study initiation. This includes guidance on IACUC and EMUA protocol submissions, cage space requests, and pathogen testing.

3. In Vivo Methods and Study Logistics

We work with you to align regulatory approvals, animal availability, housing space, model expansion (PDX, CDX, GEMM, allograft), experimental agent preparation, and your cell engineering or transduction timelines. Our goal is to integrate these components into a cohesive, executable schedule that supports your study’s scientific and operational requirements.

4. Preclinical Experimental Implementation and Study Management

We execute the planned experiment, implementing all in vivo procedures as outlined in the approved study design. This includes engrafting xenograft and allograft models, administering experimental agents and inhibitor drugs using validated methods, and delivering both modified and unmodified cell therapies.

A range of administration routes is available, including subcutaneous, intraperitoneal (IP), intravenous (IV), intracranial, oral, orthotopic, and others as appropriate to your study design. Animals are monitored and measured in accordance with IACUC regulations and your protocol-specific requirements. Interim or longitudinal sampling, imaging, and endpoint collections are integrated into the study timeline to support robust data collection.

5. Endpoint Collection and Sample Transfer

At the planned experimental or IACUC-mandated endpoint, we collect and pre-process biological samples according to your specifications. Samples are prepared for handoff either to your laboratory or to a sister Shared Resources core. This includes fresh tissue harvests, cryopreservation, and preparation for downstream analysis.