Title of STSM: Establishment of patient-derived orthoxenograft mice models of lung metastases: a tool to test immunotherapies
Start and end date: 09/09/2024 to 29/09/2024
Candidate: Paula Martín Rubio, IIS Aragón
During the three-week stay at IRCM Montpellier, the main objective was to acquire proficiency in the orthotopic implantation of tumor pieces into the lungs of mice. This objective was achieved through a series of carefully structured activities, which involved both observation and hands-on practice. The work began by attending several orthotopic lung surgeries performed by the team of Dr. Maraver.
These surgeries aimed to establish murine models of lung cancer. Through direct observation, I gained detailed knowledge of the entire process—from sample preparation to the postoperative monitoring of the mice.
Under the guidance of trained personnel, I was then given the opportunity to perform the surgery myself on pre-sacrificed mice. Additionally, I could practice the suture technique required for this surgery using synthetic skin. This hands-on experience allowed me to practice and refine the technique, which is highly complex and requires precision. Alongside the practical training, I also contributed to the project by preparing a detailed protocol that outlines every step of the surgical procedure. The protocol was accompanied by audiovisual material I gathered during the surgeries to ensure clarity and accuracy. The final document was reviewed and validated by the Dr. Maraver team to guarantee its applicability in other research settings.
The main achievement of my stay at IRCM Montpellier was successfully acquiring technical expertise required for orthotopic tumor implantation into the lungs of mice. This technique is critical for developing patient-derived orthotopic models of pulmonary metastasis, which could be implemented in future research at our institution. These models would be valuable tools for testing NK cell-based immunotherapies, aligning with the Immuno Model COST Action’s objective of fostering innovation in preclinical immuno-oncology models aimed at improving cancer treatment.
As part of the stay, I developed a detailed surgical protocol that outlines the entire orthotopic implantation procedure. This protocol, which includes audiovisual material gathered during surgeries, was reviewed by the team of Dr. Maraver and ensures accurate implementation of the technique. This deliverable directly supports the Immuno Model COST Action’s goal of enhancing reproducibility and standardizing preclinical models across research groups. Sharing this protocol within the network could contribute to collaborative efforts in the field of immuno-oncology, promoting best practices in preclinical research.
The knowledge gained significantly expands our potential to develop sophisticated in vivo models for studying cancer metastasis and immunotherapy. My enhanced technical expertise could support future projects aimed at advancing preclinical cancer models, thereby contributing to the overall mission of the ImmunoModel COST Action.
In conclusion, the knowledge and skills acquired during this stay at IRCM will contribute significantly to our future research capabilities. Furthermore, this expertise aligns with and supports the broader objectives of the ImmunoModel COST Action by enhancing the quality and reproducibility of preclinical models in immuno-oncology.
