The cancer intervention facility provides full-service support throughout the entire preclinical experiment: from experimental design to complex interventions. Studies aim to validate new targets and test novel anti-cancer agents including particle therapy on advanced disease models. The ultimate goal is to produce excellent research data that has potential to serve purpose beyond a single experiment.
We offer easy access to a multidisciplinary set of preclinical tools and expertise all in one consortium. Besides the intervention unit, the NKI facility comprises an advanced imaging unit and preclinical pharmacology unit. We are located in the NKI Laboratory Animal Center (LAC), an 8000m2 state-of-the-art stand-alone animal facility with thoroughly integrated microbiological barriers.
At UMCG, the Particle Therapy Research Center (PARTREC) is involved for preclinical research in particle therapy. This site offers range of services that supports experimental set-up and follow-up. Cell and tissue culture and also animal facilities for short term use.
A team of dedicated technicians have ample experience in performing complex in vivo studies. They are experts in performing treatments and longitudinal follow-ups of tumor models. The main objective is to help researchers find and test novel anti-cancer treatments including particle therapy, using advanced cancer models, such as 3D in vitro models, transgenic (spontaneous) mouse models, orthotopic transplantation models, or human xenograft models in efficacy studies.
Many intervention studies use experimental agents that are not (yet) tested for pre-clinical use. To be (potentially) efficacious, an agent should at least reach its target in pharmacologically meaningful quantities. The preclinical pharmacology unit conducts pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of novel compounds. By using sophisticated systems and advanced techniques, assay setup and validation can be achieved in a short time frame with limited sample volume. The unit provides ample expertise in identification of the most suitable combination of drugs, as well as conducting studies to demonstrate their stability and tolerability, to ensure that these compounds can be safely used in efficacy studies.
Besides the experience and skills that our intervention unit, preclinical pharmacology unit and PARTREC can offer, we also provide a range of advanced imaging services.
Imaging is essential for diagnosis, and short- and long-term follow-up of the preclinical experimental setting. The applied equipment and techniques are scaled to small animals but similar to what is used in the clinic. Therefore several ‘clinical’ parameters can be thoroughly evaluated such as accurate tumor measurements, metastasis formation, and therapy response. Our facility currently offers the following equipment:
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