Ca Ski Xenograft Model Service for Cervical Cancer

The Ca Ski xenograft model offers a well-characterized, HPV-positive platform for preclinical cervical cancer research, enabling robust evaluation of novel therapeutics, radiation sensitizers, and immunotherapy strategies in vivo. At Alfa Cytology, we provide comprehensive Ca Ski xenograft model services built on rigorous quality control, experienced oncology study teams, and flexible study designs tailored to your compound's development stage---from early efficacy screening to late-stage combination regimen assessment.

Overview of Ca Ski Xenograft Model for Cervical Cancer

The Ca Ski cell line was established from an epidermoid squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix that had metastasized to the small bowel mesentery of a 40-year-old patient. It is one of the most extensively characterized HPV-positive cervical cancer models, carrying approximately 600 integrated copies of HPV-16 per cell along with HPV-18-related sequences. The cell line secretes the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG), expresses tumor-associated antigens, and demonstrates G6PD type B enzymatic activity. These molecular features make Ca Ski particularly relevant for studying HPV-driven oncogenesis and for evaluating therapeutic agents targeting viral oncoproteins or downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR.

In xenograft applications, Ca Ski cells are typically implanted subcutaneously into immunocompromised mice (commonly BALB/c nude or NOD scid gamma mice), where they form measurable tumors within 2--4 weeks depending on cell dose and host strain. The model has been successfully employed to assess combination therapies (e.g., metformin plus nelfinavir), photodynamic therapy responses, and immune-based interventions. Tumor growth is monitored via caliper measurements using the standard formula V = 1/2 x L x W^2, with supplementary bioluminescence imaging available for luciferase-engineered variants. Histologically, Ca Ski xenografts recapitulate squamous differentiation patterns consistent with the parental cell line, providing a translationally relevant endpoint for preclinical drug development.

Figure 1. Cell count (a) and cell viability (b) in the control and experimental CaSki cultures. (Bhoora, S, et al., 2020)

Cell Line Information: Ca Ski

The table below summarizes the key characteristics of the Ca Ski cell line relevant to xenograft model development and preclinical study design.

Our Services

Alfa Cytology delivers end-to-end Ca Ski xenograft model services with integrated pharmacokinetic sampling, tumor biomarker analysis, and histopathology endpoints. Our preclinical oncology team works closely with sponsors to customize study parameters---including dosing schedules, combination arms, and survival endpoints---ensuring that every study generates decision-ready data to advance your cervical cancer therapeutic pipeline.

Workflow of Ca Ski Xenograft Model Construction

The construction of a Ca Ski xenograft model follows a standardized, quality-controlled workflow designed to ensure reproducible tumor growth and reliable pharmacological readouts. Each step is executed under IACUC-approved protocols with documented chain-of-custody for cells and animals.

1. Cell Line Authentication & Expansion: Ca Ski cells are retrieved from cryogenic storage and expanded in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% FBS. Prior to inoculation, cells are authenticated via STR profiling to confirm identity and tested for mycoplasma contamination to ensure model integrity.
2. Cell Harvest & Preparation: Exponentially growing cells are harvested at 70--80% confluence using 0.05% trypsin/EDTA. After washing with PBS, cells are counted and resuspended at the desired concentration (typically 5 x 10^6 to 1 x 10^7 cells per 100--200 uL) in ice-cold PBS or serum-free medium. Growth Factor-Reduced Matrigel may be mixed 1:1 with the cell suspension to enhance engraftment consistency.
3. Animal Preparation & Randomization: Female BALB/c nude mice (4--6 weeks old) or NSG mice are acclimatized for 5--7 days under specific pathogen-free (SPF) conditions. Animals are randomized by body weight into treatment and control groups (n >= 5 per group) prior to tumor cell injection.
4. Subcutaneous Tumor Cell Inoculation: The Ca Ski cell suspension is injected subcutaneously into the right flank using a 25--27 G needle. Injection volume is kept consistent (100--200 uL per mouse) to minimize inter-animal variability. The injection site is monitored daily for the first 72 hours for signs of leakage or inflammation.
5. Tumor Monitoring & Randomization: Tumors are palpated beginning 7 days post-inoculation. Once tumors reach 50--100 mm^3 (typically 10--14 days), mice are re-randomized into treatment cohorts to ensure equivalent mean tumor volumes across groups. Tumor dimensions (length L and width W) are measured with digital calipers every 2--3 days.
6. Treatment Administration & Compliance Monitoring: Test compounds are administered via the designated route (oral gavage, intraperitoneal, intravenous, or intratumoral) according to the study protocol. Body weights and clinical signs are recorded concurrently to assess treatment tolerability.
7. Endpoint Assessment & Tissue Collection: At study termination (typically when tumors reach 1,000--2,000 mm^3 or at a predetermined timepoint), mice are humanely euthanized. Tumors are excised, weighed, and photographed. Tumor volume is calculated using the formula V = 1/2 x L x W^2. Tissue samples are preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathology (H&E, IHC) or snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen for molecular analysis (Western blot, qPCR, RNA-seq).
8. Data Analysis & Reporting: Tumor growth inhibition (TGI) is calculated as [(V_control - V_treatment) / V_control] x 100%. Statistical significance is determined by two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc testing. A comprehensive study report including raw data, statistical summaries, and representative images is delivered to the sponsor.

Figure 2. Ca Ski xenograft model construction workflow.

Case Study-Ca Ski Xenograft Model Development

In a recent engagement, Alfa Cytology established a Ca Ski subcutaneous xenograft model to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of a novel combination regimen targeting the PI3K/Akt signaling axis. Following STR-authenticated cell expansion and mycoplasma-negative confirmation, tumors were successfully engrafted in BALB/c nude mice with a 100% take rate and reached the randomization threshold (80 mm^3) within 12 days. The study incorporated multiple dosing arms, longitudinal tumor volume tracking, and terminal biomarker analysis. Detailed efficacy data, including tumor growth curves, TGI percentages, and pharmacodynamic readouts, are available upon request under confidentiality agreements. Please contact our business development team to review the full case study dataset.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?

Alfa Cytology combines scientific rigor with operational flexibility to deliver xenograft studies that meet the highest preclinical standards. Our Ca Ski model service is designed to accelerate your cervical cancer program from lead optimization to IND-enabling studies.

• Authenticated cell lines with documented STR profiles and mycoplasma-free certification for every study.
• Experienced oncology study directors with deep expertise in HPV-positive tumor models and combination therapy design.
• Flexible study configurations including subcutaneous, orthotopic, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) options.
• Integrated endpoints spanning tumor growth kinetics, survival analysis, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular profiling.
• Real-time data access through a secure client portal with automated tumor volume tracking and statistical reporting.
• Competitive timelines with standard studies initiating within 2--3 weeks of contract execution and rapid feasibility assessment for custom protocols.

Contact Us

Whether you are planning a first-in-class HPV-targeted therapeutic evaluation or need a reliable Ca Ski xenograft platform for combination regimen screening, we invite you to reach out to our team today. Contact us to discuss your study objectives, review our capabilities presentation, and receive a customized proposal tailored to your preclinical timeline and budget. Our scientific and business development teams are ready to support your cervical cancer research from concept to data delivery. Please reach out to us today via our inquiry form or email to learn more about our Ca Ski Xenograft Model services.

For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.