1. Paul Mackin, Lisa Young, Steve Kupczak
Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE.
Tumour Models Core - Biological Resource Unit
A wealth of experience working with
pancreatic and prostate cancer models
and study support
 Comprehensive technical assistance
with studies
 Therapeutic study management
 Short term and long term survival study
management
 Drug dosing/scheduling
 Study database management
 Surgical intervention
 Dedicated drug preparation, surgical &
necropsy areas
 Tissue and blood collection
 Necropsy
 Tissue fixation
The BRU/Tumour Models Core continues to
provides researchers with sound advice, expert
skills and technical assistance enabling their
continued and on-going research. These model are
likely to be more predictive for novel treatments
which can be translated to patients in clinical
practice.
We will endeavour to explore the possibilities of
refining the models and expanding our services.
For details and information please contact:
Lisa.young@cruk.cam.ac.uk
Paul.mackin@cruk.cam.ac.uk
KPC mice are generated and, from 2 months of age, are
abdominally palpated weekly to detect the early
development of a pancreas tumour (protocol 2).
Mice with a
palpable tumour
are ultrasound
imaged to confirm
the presence and
follow the growth
of the tumour
(protocol 3).
Mouse with pancreas
tumour detected by
palpation &/or
ultrasound imaging is
transferred to another
project licence or
recognised scientific
establishment for
experiments intended to
inform the field of
pancreas cancer
research.
Mouse has a
tumour too
small for
enrolment
onto study.
Mouse has a
tumour size,
location and type
suitable for study.
Mouse has an
unsuitable tumour
and/or shows
signs of ill health
and pain.
Mouse is enrolled onto a
study, primarily
therapeutics but also
basic biology and
diagnostics (PPL
transfer).
Mouse is killed and, if
appropriate, tissue
collected for in vitro
studies (therapeutics,
basic biology and
diagnostics).
Refining and reducing the stress of mice being
repeatedly imaged to follow the growth pattern
of the tumours as well as the associated
implications of repeated exposure to
anaesthetic.
Refinement - preparation of mice
- quality of images
- speed of requisition
- reproducibility
- accuracy
Reduction - induction
- anaesthesia
- i.p saline 2mls
- no i.p saline for study mice
- recovery
A new initiative recently developed within the
Biological Resources Unit at The Cambridge
Institute. Co-managed by the Production and
Study Managers with a dedicated Senior animal
technician (NACWO).
Researchers joining the Institute are able to ‘hit
the ground running’ as we provide full study
support and the central supply of experimental
and control mice.
Requests for services and supply are received
from researchers at the CI as well a affiliates to
CRUK and commercial collaborators, these are
discussed and prioritised at the Core Steering
Group which meet every two months.
The core has initiated an approach in anticipating
user requirements, processing requests and
cross-charging for services and supplies rendered.
The TMC have the experience, principles and
flexibility to adapt to other tumour models -
Breast, Prostate, Liver and Kidney cancers.
Paul Mackin
Production
Manager
Lisa Young
Study
Manager
Steve
Kupczak
NACWO
Micro bubbles
IVIS Spectrum in-vivo imaging
Split screen
Pancreas
Embryos
Prostate
Kidney
Vevo 2100 high resolution in-vivo imaging
The Tumour Models Core