On July 1, 2014 Cancer Research Technology (CRT) reported that it is developing plans to make preclinical models more accessible for translational research across the UK (Press release, Cancer Research Technology, JUL 1, 2014, View Source [SID1234523519]). They’d like to speak to any researchers interested in getting involved or using these models.
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In recent months Hazel Jones, Cancer Research UK’s head of combination therapies, and a team from Cancer Research Technology (CRT) has held a series of meetings and workshops – focused on both PDX and GEMM models – with leading UK researchers in preclinical models to discuss how to make models more accessible for translational research across the UK.
The team has been aiming to identify institutes where the models are currently held, determine the translation capacity of these models and consider ways in which to join up PIs to enable the sharing of models and best practice. Feedback from researchers has indicated that there is a clear need and desire to work more collaboratively in this area.
The CRT team is now in the process of establishing a database of available models across the CRUK research community. Longer term, they are looking to develop a central standardised CRUK repository and network to enable the development and sharing of preclinical models and are currently reviewing funding possibilities, including flexible technical FTE or external support. They are also in talks with the NC3Rs, the UK’s largest funder of research that works to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in experiments, who has identified preclinical oncology models as a key challenge.
There are further events planned in the coming months including:
Patient Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models: Advantages and Limitations
26th November 2014, London
For more information, or to reserve your place, please click here.
CRT welcomes input from any researchers working in this area – your ideas and opinions will be critical in developing an acceptable and valuable resource. If you are interested in getting involved in this initiative or are looking to access preclinical models, please email: [email protected]