Tumourigenicity of isolated or cell culture derived cells under in vivo conditions are tested according to EMEA/FDA rules in different mouse models.

Genetically engineered gene-transduced, gene-transfected, or chemically transformed cell lines, derived either from in vitro cultures or in vivo passages can be tested.

EPO offers several orthotopic transplantation models for human pancreatic, prostate, colon, renal, brain, lung and mammary epithelial cells in NOD/SCID mice.

Subcutaneous transplantation is the most common cell administration route in mice. 1x10⁷ cells are transplanted in the absence or presence of matrigel (basement membrane extract of the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm-tumour).

If necessary, secondary tumour cell transplantations are performed, to characterise the tumourigenic potential.

Animals are inspected daily regarding the development of tumour nodules and tumour growth is monytored. Necroscopy will be performed and includes examination for gross evidence of tumour formation at the site of inoculation and in distant organs, including lymph nodes. To answer questions concerning the mechanisms of tumour growth and the involvement of phenotypic and functional markers, all necessary analytical techniques, including histology, immunohistochemistry, h-PCR, RT-PCR, TaqMan analysis and FACS are available.