SPHEROMOUSE · Validating a versatile platform of novel standardized and biobankable preclinical mouse tumor models

Preclinical mouse tumor models are an indispensable experimental tool in cancer research. In turn, they also have limitations since most mouse tumor models do not adequately mimic the course of tumor development as it occurs in humans or the response to therapy. Moreover, there is no standardization of tumor models making it oftentimes difficult to compare the results of different studies. Lastly, animal welfare aspects casts increasing societal doubts about animal experimentation. We have within the ERC AdG grant “Angiomature” pioneered new mouse tumor models that overcome the limitations of currently employed models and have the potential to fundamentally change the way preclinical mouse tumor work is done. Instead of grafting cultured tumor cell lines into recipient mice, we transplant small fragments of established tumors obtained from genetically engineered mouse models. These fragments can be biobanked and thereby conveniently shipped throughout the world enabling a hitherto unprecedented level of tumor model standardization. Within the SpheroMouse PoC project, we propose to pursue experimental work to advance this novel preclinical mouse tumor model approach from academic lab established standard into a versatile commercialisable platform of miniaturized, biobanked, injectable, shippable, and fully multiomics standardized fragment-based tumor models. We will also expand the scope of the model platform from presently two to 10 different models, covering most of the major solid tumor entities. Collectively, the SpheroMouse PoC project serves a threefold purpose, namely first, to develop the implementation potential of the platform in preparation for a spinoff that will market the novel standardized tumor models, second, to make a strong contribution to the 3R principles of animal welfare, and third, to substantially advance the scientific quality, sustainability, reproducibility, and translatability of preclinical mouse tumor research.