Partnership with JAX creates new childhood cancer models

We are excited to partner with Jackson Laboratory on the creation of a series of mouse models of childhood cancers.  Our first successful patient-derived xenograft model is now established for an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, with many more models in development.  The sample came from an autopsy-derived Legacy Gift.  This model accompanied by the creation of a primary cell culture model (pictured), with genetic characterization.  These resources are intended to be broadly available to all laboratories in North America and beyond.

Because pediatric cancers are rare, few established cell lines are available and many of these cell lines are very old.  For embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, the RD cell line was established in 1968 and reported in the literature in 1969.  We are grateful to the family that made their child's Legacy Gift possible in order to advance the field.