The CT26 Tumor Model For Colorectal Cancer

Surgical intervention is first-line therapy for nearly all CRC patients, but multidisciplinary treatment is vital for preserving the longevity and quality of life. Advances in surgical, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy methods have significantly improved outcomes for patients with CRC, but the need for validated, targeted therapies remains urgent.

Drug discovery—developing new pharmacological interventions through invention and innovation – has produced leaps in the CRC therapy world. But clinical trials may also focus on repurposing known drugs for new targets, combining existing drugs to test if they work better in partnership, and designing multiplex strategies which exploit the diverse tools in the current CRC treatment toolbox—across chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments.

Melior’s CT26 mouse model facilitates these goals, and de novo development work, to improve clinical and survival outcomes for CRC patients.

The CT26 tumor model uses a cell line established from BALB/c mice treated with N-nitroso-N-methylurethane (NNMU), a known carcinogenic, to induce colon carcinoma. Researchers can use the CT26 syngeneic model in isolation or to complement our other xenograft human colon cancer (HCT-15) and human PDX colon cancer models.

By implanting colon cancer cells into immunocompetent mice, researchers can study key interchanges between tumor cells and the immune system of the same genetic strain. As a result, the syngeneic CT26 tumor model is equally suitable for investigating immune-modulating and cytotoxic therapeutic avenues. This makes it a necessary addition to the preclinical CRC research armamentarium.

The CT26 syngeneic mouse model yields highly reproducible tumor growth curves capable of detecting minute changes in relatively small group sizes. Whether you are looking to gauge the effectiveness of small molecules, evaluate gene therapies, or test the safety and potency of immune-modulating agents, you can use the CT26 tumor model to complete your in vivo efficacy assessments with confidence.

Our established CT26 syngeneic mouse model can help push your therapeutic cancer research forward. When you choose Melior, enjoy a preclinical CT26 syngeneic model that is:

• Fast growing ( only ~10 days to establish and ~10 days treatment)
• Highly reproducible
• Well-represented in the literature
• Capable of detecting small changes in growth rates
• Responsive to various immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors
• Accurate in mimicking the human tumor microenvironment
• Cost-effective compared to other preclinical models

Initiate your CT26 tumor model study quickly with a bespoke design to suit your needs. In as little as 3-4 weeks, we help you go from design to results with our flexible, custom services.

Our bespoke analyses include:

• Tissue collection for immune cell analysis and profiling
• Whole blood, spleen, and lymph node analysis
• General observations, including pain analysis
• Histology and IHC
• Luciferase assay
• IVIS imaging
• FACS analysis
• PK studies

Our custom support services include:

• Face-to-Face Zoom Calls
• Ad-hoc Consultation
• Customized Study Proposals
• Direct Line to Experienced PMs
• Hands-on Revision Support

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us for a comprehensive list of services.

With our oncology platform, Immuno-theraTRACE^Ⓡ, you can test your immunotherapeutic across 8 syngeneic models. This helps you determine the best target cancer type to advance your immunotherapy.

In addition to testing your drug in our CT26 tumor model, Immuno-theraTRACE^Ⓡ screens immune-modulating agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, for their therapeutic potential across a range of tumor types ranging from cold tumors to hot tumors.

All this in a matter of weeks.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor and Chemotherapy Validation of a CT26 Syngeneic Mouse Model.
The CT26 tumor model is created by subcutaneously injecting 1 x10⁶ CT26 cells into the rear flank of Balb/c mice. Once the tumor size reached ~120mm³ (Day 7), mice were randomized into the vehicle control group (treated with normal saline), anti-PD-1 antibody (12.5 mg/kg, IP once per week), or paclitaxel (20 mg/kg, IP once per week). Tumor volume was monitored twice per week using calipers (A). At the end of the study (Day 18), animals were sacrificed, and tumors were excised and weighed (B, C). N=6 for vehicle and anti-PD-1, N=4 for paclitaxel. Data area mean ± SEM. * P<0.05, ** P<0.01 *** P<0.001 by Student’s t-test.