The functions of the xenograft Core are: 1. The purpose of this Core is to provide a facility for the propagation of xenografts of pediatric solid tumors, for use in all Projects. The standard model will comprise tumor growing in the subcutaneous space of female severe combined immunodefiecient (SCID) mice. 2. Coordinate tumor transplantation and make available tumor-bearing mice for biochemical and pharmacokinetic studies as required. 3. Undertake drug evaluation studies using standardized protocols. Data will be accessed directly into a microcomputer, and information distributed on a regular basis to individual project leaders, and to the Biostatistics Core for analysis. 4. Establish models of minimal residual disease for evaluating both cytotoxic and novel approaches to tumor eradication (e.g. gene therapy/antisense). 5. Develop models of disseminated disease as a secondary screen for drug evaluation. 6. Develop disseminated disease models with luciferase reporters for DNA damage, hypoxia, to monitor tumor growth, spread and drug-response using non-invasive techniques (Xenogen system). 7. Maintain and characterize human xenografts,, and maintain frozen stocks. 8. Provide services (e.g. blood collection, 1 to 5 day infusions in mice). 9. To evaluate transgenic tumor models where requested.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 814 publications
