In Vivo Model Development for Stomach Cancer

Alfa Cytology offers comprehensive in vivo animal model development services for Stomach Cancer (gastric cancer) research, supporting preclinical efficacy evaluation, mechanism-of-action studies, and translational oncology programs. With a robust portfolio of validated and customizable models, we provide end-to-end solutions to accelerate the discovery and development of novel therapeutics targeting stomach cancer.

Stomach cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating clinically relevant animal models to bridge the gap between laboratory research and patient care. At Alfa Cytology, we utilize a wide spectrum of species and strains—including Mus musculus (mouse), Rattus norvegicus (rat), Gallus gallus (chicken), and Meriones unguiculatus (Mongolian gerbil)—to recapitulate the complex biology and heterogeneity of human gastric cancer. Our models encompass immunocompromised, genetically engineered, chemically induced, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) systems, reflecting diverse genetic backgrounds, tumor microenvironments, and resistance phenotypes. These models are instrumental in elucidating tumor progression, metastasis, immune interactions, and therapeutic responses, enabling researchers to generate translationally meaningful data.

Xenograft and Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models

Xenograft models involve the implantation of established human gastric cancer cell lines (e.g., N87, HGC27, BGC823, SNU series) or patient-derived tumor tissues into immunodeficient mice (such as Balb/c nude, NSG, NOG, NCG, SCID, and related strains), rats, or chickens. PDX models, in particular, maintain the genetic, histological, and molecular characteristics of the original patient tumors, including key mutations (HER2, CLDN18.2, FGFR2, c-Met, etc.) and drug resistance profiles. These models are highly valuable for preclinical efficacy testing, biomarker discovery, exploration of resistance mechanisms, and personalized medicine studies. Advantages include high clinical relevance, preservation of tumor heterogeneity, and the ability to evaluate human-specific therapeutics.

Genetically Engineered and Transgenic Models

Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and transgenic lines (e.g., conditional knockout of Cdh1, Trp53, or expression of oncogenic Kras, HDC, or Il2rg) allow for the spontaneous or induced development of gastric tumors in a native immune context. These models enable researchers to study gastric carcinogenesis, tumor microenvironment, immune interactions, and gene function in vivo. Key advantages include recapitulation of disease initiation and progression, modeling of specific genetic alterations, and suitability for immuno-oncology investigations. Applications span from mechanism-of-action studies to evaluation of immunotherapies and targeted agents.

Chemically-Induced and Infection-Based Models

Chemically-induced models use carcinogens such as 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), lactic acid, or estradiol to initiate gastric tumor formation in rodents, while infection-based models utilize Helicobacter pylori or other bacteria to mimic inflammation-driven gastric carcinogenesis. These approaches are particularly useful for studying early-stage tumorigenesis, environmental risk factors, and the interplay between host genetics and external insults. Advantages include the ability to model multistep carcinogenesis and the influence of diet or infection. They are widely used for chemoprevention, mechanistic research, and evaluation of anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial interventions.

Dietary and Organoid-Based Models

Dietary models, such as folate-deficient diet-induced tumorigenesis, explore the role of nutrition and metabolic factors in stomach cancer development. Organoid-based models involve the transplantation of human or mouse gastric cancer organoids, including those with specific resistance or genetic modifications, into immunodeficient mice. These models offer a controllable, high-throughput platform for drug screening, genetic manipulation, and personalized therapy testing. They retain key features of the original tumors and are particularly valuable for studies of cancer stem cells, drug resistance, and tumor heterogeneity.

Alfa Cytology delivers a fully integrated stomach cancer animal model service, encompassing model selection, development, validation, and comprehensive in vivo efficacy studies. Our capabilities include subcutaneous, orthotopic, and metastatic tumor modeling, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) establishment, genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), and infection- or chemical agent-induced systems. Key efficacy endpoints and measurements include tumor growth kinetics (volume, weight), survival analysis, metastasis assessment, imaging (bioluminescence, fluorescence), histopathology, immunohistochemistry, molecular profiling (qPCR, RNA-seq, NGS), flow cytometry, and pharmacodynamic biomarker analysis. We offer advanced analytical services such as drug resistance modeling, immune cell infiltration studies, and multi-omics integration. Rigorous quality control is maintained through standardized protocols, validated reagents, genetic authentication, and regular health monitoring of animal colonies. Our experienced scientific team provides detailed study design, data analysis, and reporting, ensuring reproducibility and regulatory compliance.

Partnering with Alfa Cytology ensures access to a diverse portfolio of validated stomach cancer animal models, expert scientific guidance, and a seamless workflow from model development to data interpretation. Our tailored solutions accelerate your oncology research, reduce risk, and enhance translational relevance, empowering you to make informed decisions in drug discovery and development. Contact us today to discuss your project needs and discover how our in vivo stomach cancer model services can advance your research objectives.