In Vivo Model Development for Lung Cancer

Alfa Cytology offers a comprehensive in vivo Lung Cancer model development service designed to accelerate the preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutics. Leveraging robust animal models that closely recapitulate human disease, our team provides end-to-end solutions to support drug discovery, efficacy testing, and mechanistic studies in the field of lung oncology.

Animal models are indispensable tools in lung cancer research, providing critical insights into tumor biology, disease progression, and therapeutic response. Alfa Cytology utilizes a range of species and strains, including immunocompetent mice (such as C57BL/6 and BALB/c), immunodeficient mice (such as nude and NOD/SCID), and rats, to model various subtypes of lung cancer. These models are carefully selected for their genetic, molecular, and histopathological similarities to human lung cancer, ensuring translational relevance and scientific rigor in preclinical studies.

Chemically-Induced Models

Chemically-induced lung cancer models involve the administration of carcinogens (such as urethane, NNK, or benzo[a]pyrene) to rodents, leading to the gradual development of lung tumors that mimic the etiology and histopathology of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This methodology allows for the study of tumor initiation, progression, and chemoprevention in an immunocompetent setting. Key advantages include the recapitulation of environmental risk factors and the development of heterogeneous tumors. These models are primarily used for evaluating preventive agents, studying carcinogenesis mechanisms, and testing therapeutic interventions.

Genetically Engineered Models (GEMs)

Genetically engineered models employ transgenic or knockout techniques to introduce specific oncogenic mutations (such as KRAS, EGFR, or TP53) into the mouse genome, resulting in spontaneous lung tumor development. These models offer precise genetic control, reproducible tumor onset, and the ability to study the role of defined molecular pathways in lung cancer. The main advantages are their high translational value and suitability for evaluating targeted therapies and immunotherapies. GEMs are widely used for mechanistic studies, biomarker discovery, and preclinical drug efficacy testing.

Xenograft and Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models

Xenograft models involve the implantation of established human lung cancer cell lines or patient-derived tumor tissues into immunodeficient mice. PDX models, in particular, maintain the genetic, histological, and phenotypic characteristics of the original patient tumors, providing a clinically relevant platform for therapeutic evaluation. The methodology enables rapid tumor establishment and high-throughput drug screening. Key advantages include the preservation of tumor heterogeneity and direct clinical relevance. These models are ideal for drug efficacy testing, personalized medicine approaches, and biomarker validation.

Alfa Cytology delivers a full-spectrum service for in vivo lung cancer model development, from initial model selection and experimental design to endpoint analysis and comprehensive reporting. Our solutions encompass animal procurement, model induction or establishment, dosing regimens, and longitudinal monitoring. Key efficacy endpoints include tumor incidence, growth kinetics, survival analysis, histopathology, molecular biomarker expression, and imaging (CT, MRI, bioluminescence). Our analytical capabilities extend to immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic assessments. Stringent quality control measures are implemented at every step, including protocol standardization, ethical compliance, and rigorous data validation to ensure reproducibility and reliability.

Partnering with Alfa Cytology provides access to deep scientific expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to delivering actionable, high-quality data for your lung cancer research. Our tailored approach, transparent communication, and comprehensive support empower you to advance your drug development pipeline with confidence. Contact us today to discuss your project needs and discover how we can accelerate your lung cancer research objectives.