At the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), groundbreaking discoveries don’t just happen in theory—they are tested, refined, and brought closer to real-world impact through cutting-edge research platforms. One of the most powerful of these is the Xenograft & Cell Lines Core Facility, a cornerstone of GCCRI’s mission to accelerate new therapies for childhood cancer.
What is the Xenograft & Cell Lines Core?
The Xenograft & Cell Lines Core Facility at UT Health San Antonio is a specialized research resource designed to support preclinical cancer research and drug development. Using advanced patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, scientists can evaluate how cancers grow and respond to potential treatments in systems that closely mirror human disease. [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
This core facility plays a critical role in translational research, helping bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical application—bringing promising therapies one step closer to children who need them most.
Why Xenograft Models Matter in Cancer Research
In pediatric cancer research, accuracy matters. Traditional lab models often fail to fully represent the complexity of human tumors. In contrast, patient-derived xenograft models are developed directly from patient tumor samples, preserving many of the biological characteristics of the original cancer.
This allows researchers to conduct more predictive preclinical drug testing, better understand tumor biology, and evaluate combination therapies—all in a setting that more closely reflects real patient outcomes.
A Comprehensive Core Facility for Preclinical Testing
The GCCRI Xenograft & Cell Lines Core offers a wide range of services, making it a leading cancer research core facility. These include:
- Maintenance of an extensive biobank of pediatric PDX models, with continued expansion to support diverse cancer types [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
- Development and propagation of tumor models through implantation into immunocompromised mice [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
- Execution of preclinical studies, including dose-response, toxicity testing, and drug efficacy studies [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
- Support for genomic analysis, biomarker discovery, and precision medicine research through high-quality sample preparation [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
These capabilities enable researchers to generate high-impact data that informs clinical decision-making and accelerates cancer therapy development.
Driving Innovation in Pediatric Cancer Treatment
Built on a foundation of well-characterized pediatric models, the core facility is dedicated to advancing childhood cancer research. By continuously expanding its model library and refining experimental approaches, the Xenograft & Cell Lines Core supports innovative studies in targeted therapies, treatment resistance, and precision oncology. [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
This work is essential for identifying safer, more effective treatments for children with cancer—bringing hope to patients and families around the world.
Part of GCCRI’s Integrated Research Ecosystem
The Xenograft & Cell Lines Core is part of GCCRI’s broader Core & Research Services (CRS), which provides researchers with access to advanced technologies, expert consultation, and collaborative support across disciplines. These integrated resources enable hypothesis-driven research and foster innovation at every stage of discovery. [gccri.uthscsa.edu]
Moving Childhood Cancer Research Forward
From testing new therapies to building better disease models, the Xenograft & Cell Lines Core is at the forefront of preclinical oncology research. Every experiment conducted within this facility contributes to a larger goal: improving outcomes and quality of life for children facing cancer.
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Contact Information
Dr. Anna Rogojina
Technical Director, PDX Core Facility
Greehey CCRI
UT Health San Antonio
8403 Floyd Curl Dr., MC 7784
San Antonio, TX 78229
210-562-9001
rogojina@uthscsa.edu