Oncology

We collaborate closely with our clients

to build a healthier future.

End-to-End Oncology Drug Development Services

At QIMA Life Sciences, we provide a wide range of oncology-focused solutions to support drug discovery and development. From programme planning and primary screening through to mechanistic in vitro assays and advanced in vivo oncology models (in partnership with Axis Bio), we deliver reliable and scientifically robust studies to accelerate your pipeline. Above all, we know that oncology drug development rarely follows a straight line. QIMA Life Sciences works as an extension of your scientific team – adapting assays, refining hypotheses, and iterating study designs as biology evolves, so you can make confident decisions at every stage of your oncology programme.

Our preclinical oncology studies can be integrated with biomarkers, analytical chemistry, and bioanalytical services to maximise translational success. Our Phase I to IV clinical trial capabilities make navigating the drug development pipeline seamless, and our global teams offer technical and regulatory expertise from early discovery to post-market.

How we Work in Oncology

Oncology programmes are often defined by biological complexity, treatment challenges, and evolving hypotheses. Our approach is designed to support that reality:

  • Scientist‑to‑scientist collaboration: Studies are designed, discussed and executed with highly experienced scientists, ensuring alignment with your programmes questions, scope, timelines, and decision points.
  • Iterative study design: Study plans are adapted as data emerges, refining assays, endpoints, and strategy as biological understanding deepens. We yield value from even the most challenging studies.
  • Experimental flexibility when standard models fall short: We tailor and adapt our in vitro and in vivo studies to address non‑standard oncology and pharmacology challenges and support novel modalities and strategies.
  • Execution at programme pace: Our teams move quickly and decisively, to align study execution to programme timelines and regulatory expectations. We enable smooth progression as milestones and dependencies shift, and can support quick turnaround.
  • Continuity from hypothesis to decision, and from phase to phase: Our teams remain closely involved to support interpretation and next‑step decisions as programmes evolve.

Explore our new preclinical
oncology solutions

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Companion Oncology Services: From Target Discovery to Late-Stage Clinical Support

We use a global, multidisciplinary service suite to enrich cancer discovery programmes at every stage. From the very start of a pipeline, we offer:

These services echo through our oncology studies, enabling biomarker-driven drug development and pharmacological profiling that streamline decision making and reduce risk – all delivered to the exacting quality standards of QIMA Life Sciences.

In vitro Oncology & Immuno-Oncology Platforms

QIMA Life Sciences delivers research solutions that are tailored to the needs of our clients, the mechanisms-of-action of their treatments, and to the therapeutic modality. Leveraging deep expertise in immunology, immuno-oncology, and translational oncology, we conduct pre-clinical and IND-enabling oncology studies via the purpose-built, 900+ m2 Axis Bio facility. Our cell-based assays are built on decades of research and have evolved with the landscape of cancer treatment, and we excel at customising and linking our platforms to provide optimal study designs.

Our Cell Line PortfolioCore Assays and ReadoutsIn vivo Oncology Models
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Curated Cancer Cell Line Portfolio

Our oncology capabilities cover all major cancer types, from solid tumours (breast, colorectal, glioblastoma, lung, liver, bladder, prostate, head and neck, pancreatic, melanoma) to hematologic malignancies (leukemia, lymphoma) and we maintain a panel of supplementary non-cancer cell lines for mechanistic and safety assays.

  • Ovarian

    A2780, IGROV-1 OVCAR-3, SKOV-3, ID-8

  • Pancreatic

    AsPC-1, BxPC3, Capan-1, PANC-1, Pan02

  • Prostate

    22RV1, LNCaP, PC3, VCaP, TRAMP-C1

  • Renal

    786-0, A498, ACHN, Renca

  • Sarcoma

    HT-1080, Saos-2, U-2 OS, MCA-205

  • Bladder

    J82, RT4, UM-UC-6, MB49

  • Brain

    KELLY, U-251, MG U-87 MG, GL-261

  • Breast

    JIMT-1, MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3 T47-D, 4T1

  • Colorectal

    DLD-1, HCT 116, HT-29, SW620, MC38

  • Gastric

    GCIY, MKN-1, NCI-N87, NUGC4

  • Hepatic

    HepG2, Hepa 1,6

  • Leukemia

    HL-60, HNT34, Jurkat, K-562, MOLM-13

  • Lung

    A549, NCI-H1975, NCI-H69, PC-9, LLC

  • Lymphoma

    OCI-LY3, Raji, Ramos, TMD8, EG7.OVA

  • Myeloma

    KMS-12-BM, MM.1 S, NCI-H929

Blue cell lines are of mouse origin. These lists represent only some of our most common translational oncology models, the list is non-exhaustive, and a rare cancer xenograft validation programme is also ongoing. Contact our experts for any cell-line or disease-specific enquiries.

In addition to our portfolio of more than 150 well-characterised lines, we support the validation of client-specified cell lines for both in vitro and xenograft models (flank or orthotopic sites), expanding the scope of tumor models available for oncology research.

Cytotoxicity, Proliferation & Cell Health Assays

Our in vitro oncology platforms provide anti-tumoural efficacy testing and safety profiling at the level of throughput and depth your programme demands. Assay options are available in 2D and 3D formats, and can pair with functional readouts and immunogenicity and safety profiling to enrich data outputs.

Screening approaches include:

  • MTT/MTS/XTT assays
  • LDH release
  • ATP-based assays
  • Bioluminescence readouts
  • High content counting and microscopy
  • [3H]-Thymidine incorporation
  • BrdU incorporation

For more translational depth we offer:

  • Combination cell health readouts
  • Spheroid and soft agar cultures
  • Clonogenic assays
  • Co-culture models
  • Flow cytometry solutions (e.g. apoptosis assays)
  • Immunohistochemistry solutions (e.g. Ki-67 staining)

Discover our
oncology-related assays

Functional Molecular and Phenotypic Readouts

A comprehensive catalogue of molecular and cellular biology techniques enhances our preclinical tests, from in vitro functional screens to in vivo biomarker identification, validation, and tracking.

Choose a clinically translatable, ready-to-run assay from our library, or collaborate with our scientists to develop bespoke workflows for your specific oncology modality.

Nucleic acid solutions

  • PCR and qPCR
  • siRNA knockdown
  • CRISPR/Cas knockout
  • -omics services
  • Gene expression profiling
  • DNA damage assay
Axis Bio services oncology cancer cell

Protein analytics

  • Western blotting
  • ELISAs and activity assays
  • ELISpot
  • Multiplex assay panels
  • Sequential immunofluorescence staining
  • Surface and intracellular flow cytometry staining
  • -omics services

Functional phenotypes

  • Tumour motility and invasion
  • Tumour migration
  • Cell differentiation assays
  • Endocytosis and uptake assays
  • Barrier permeability models
  • Tube formation

Immuno-Oncology Readouts and Safety Profiling

Understanding the interaction between treatments, tumours, and immune cells is critical for oncology drug discovery. QIMA Life Sciences provide assays for testing the innate and adaptive immune responses to treatments in blood and tissues, and for investigating tumour-immune interactions in co-culture systems.

Immune cells:

  • Neutrophils
  • Basophils
  • Eosinophils
  • Monocytes
  • Macrophages
  • Dendritic cells
  • T cells
  • Regulatory T cells



Assays:

  • PMN, Macrophage, Dendritic Cell activation
  • Immune-mediated tumour kill assays
  • Phagocytosis
  • PMN oxidative burst
  • M1 or M2 polarization and switch
  • Chemotaxis and invasion
  • T cell immunophenotyping
  • Proliferation
  • Cytokine and chemokine release

Immunocytes can be freshly drawn from volunteers, or sourced from biobanks and our assays can be expanded with various additional functional readouts.

Learn more about our

Immune Response Assays

Comprehensive in vivo Oncology Models & Translational Pharmacology

Through partnership with Axis Bio, we tailor preclinical study packages to exact programme needs, with flexible designs to integrate safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy evaluations with our wider companion services. These studies can be run as modular go/no-go stages or as overlapping fast-track workflows, and are supported by expert guidance on IND-enabling studies and the transition between bench and living models.

Cell-Derived Xenograft Models: Flank, Orthotopic, and Disseminated Tumours

More than 80 cell line–derived xenograft (CDX) models—each validated against current standards of care—are immediately available. Built on over a decade of expertise in mouse-tumour modelling, our portfolio covers all major cancer indications through functionally characterised CDX panels. Subcutaneous flank, orthotopic and metastatic configurations let you investigate tumour biology in clinically relevant scenarios.

  • Subcutaneous flank
  • Mammary fat pad
  • Ovary
  • Pancreas
  • Brain
  • Prostate
  • Lung
  • Liver
  • Colon
  • Bladder
  • Tibia-femur
  • Intracardiac
  • Intravenous

View our options for bespoke

IND-enabling studies

Syngeneic and PBMC-humanised Mouse Models

Two complementary in vivo platforms are available for immune oncology programmes, in subcutaneous, orthotopic and metastatic formats.

First, an extensive panel of syngeneic models – more than 25 murine tumour lines spanning melanoma, breast, lung, colon, lymphoma, head and neck, sarcoma and more – enables rapid assessment of drug activity in the context of a fully functional mouse immune system.

Second, our PBMC-humanised NXG models deliver rapid, stable engraftment of donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells, recreating human T-cell biology for antibodies, bispecifics, CAR-T therapies and other human-specific modalities.

Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models

Expanding access to patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models allows native tumour architecture and heterogeneity to be retained. Combined with proven expertise in serially passaging difficult to grow tumours from mouse to mouse, this delivers a high-fidelity predictive system for evaluating oncology, drug combinations, and resistance mechanisms across every major cancer type.

PK/PD, Toxicology & Biomarker-Driven Efficacy Read-outs

By integrating our full technical expertise with in vivo platforms, a complete view of exposure, mechanism and safety can be captured. The scope of projects can range from simple tumour inhibition studies to advanced immuno-oncology models that pair PK/PD profiling, risk assessment and biomarker analytics and more in parallel.

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Basic model deliverables

  • General clinical observations
  • Bodyweight measurements
  • Subsidence monitoring
  • Necropsy macro-examination
  • Tumour burden (volume or bioluminescence)
  • Blood and tissue sampling
  • Survival analyses

Integrated analytics

  • Quantitative bioanalysis
  • Whole body in vivo imaging
  • Multiplex immunohistochemistry
  • Digital histopathology
  • Veterinary haematology
  • Clinical chemistry and organ toxicity panels
  • Flow cytometry immunophenotyping
  • Multiplex immunogenicity and cytokine release assays
  • Targeted genomic and transcriptomic profiling
  • Metabolomics and lipidomics

Configurable Study Designs & Modality-Specific Solutions

Whether it’s a rapid PK/PD snapshot or a full IND-enabling package, our study designs can be configured to match your programme’s goals. We support the full spectrum of oncology drugs, from classic small molecule inhibitors to cutting-edge biologics, with modality-specific approaches and endpoints.

Study types          

  • Disease-specific efficacy models
  • Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiling
  • ADME characterisation
  • Biodistribution and imaging
  • Safety and toxicology studies
  • Translational biomarker and bioanalytical support

Modalities supported

  • Small-molecule agents
  • Antibody-based biologics
  • Cell-based immunotherapies
  • Gene- & virus-mediated therapies
  • Nucleic-acid–based drugs & synthetic immunomodulators
  • Bioactive peptides & nano-conjugates

Full Cycle Oncology Clinical Trial Capabilities

Our support does not stop at high-content in vitro assays or translational in vivo disease models; we stay on board to help candidates progress into the clinic. We provide end-to-end, GCP-compliant clinical-development and QC services for the oncology sector, while our bioanalytical and biomarker analyses transition seamlessly from preclinical proof-of-concepts to first-in-human trials and beyond.

Purpose-built Phase I–IV clinical facilities and seasoned trial-management teams.

Complete bioanalytical and analytical chemistry integration supporting clinical trials.

Specialist ex vivo and in vivo models for assessing oncotherapy side-effects and sub-clinical injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

QIMA Life Sciences supports oncology programmes with a strategic, end‑to‑end perspective, combining deep scientific expertise with a broad range of models. Our focus is on scientist‑to‑scientist collaboration and an agile approach to study design and conduct, to ensure we provide decision‑grade data across multiple stages. With over a decade of oncology CRO expertise, and hundreds of curated in vitro and in vivo models, we have worked with virtually every treatment modality, and supported organisations of all sizes; from academic and translational research groups to emerging biotechs and global pharmaceutical companies. We adapt our approach to the scope of each programme.

Model selection is generally guided by a holistic evaluation of the programme, including therapeutic mechanism, candidate maturity, budget considerations, and anticipated development milestones. By considering how the broader pipeline is likely to evolve, we help ensure that early model choices generate data with lasting translational value; even in focused or one‑off studies. We also leverage our long-running experience with transplanted tumour models, to ensure translatable models are selected in balance with clinical relevance.

Yes. Our oncology assays are regularly adapted or newly developed to address specific targets, mechanisms, or therapeutic hypotheses. We also co-develop models with our clients as required. This work is conducted through direct scientist‑to‑scientist collaboration, ensuring that assay design, endpoints, and interpretation are closely aligned with the underlying biology and long-term programme intent.

Collaboration typically begins with an initial brief to clarify programme needs, constraints, and expectations. This is followed by a proposal with indicative costing, then an in depth scientific discussion to produce a tailored statement of work and the assignment of a dedicated study director, who works closely with the client to develop protocols and ensure continuity, transparency, and scientific rigor throughout the project with updates delivered twice per week.

Our oncology approach is well suited to the evaluation of combination regimens and complex therapeutic strategies. Carefully selected in vitro and in vivo models allow investigation of synergy, safety effects, resistance mechanisms, and overall response, supporting informed decision‑making for advanced therapies. Our experience in PK/PD studies, exploratory safety studies, and in vitro assays for compartmentalised treatment testing (e.g. direct cellular effects, delivery systems, immune system engagement) also lets us add value to the development of novel strategies.

At each transition point, such as moving from in vitro to in vivo studies or refining dose and schedule, the existing data package is assessed. We factor efficacy, exposure (PK), safety, and the biological relevance of our models, with a view to regulatory expectations and in collaboration with our clients. This integrated approach helps ensure that progression decisions are grounded in coherent evidence, and within a strict quality-first framework.

Design Your Oncology Study With Our Team

Through highly integrated and collaborative oncology expertise, QIMA Life Sciences offers a unique continuum of services spanning from cell-based assays and tumor microenvironment models to translational in vivo oncology studies.

Whether you are working on small molecules, biologics, or advanced modalities, our comprehensive solutions help you generate robust, decision-driving data across the entire oncology R&D pipeline.

Contact us today to learn how our oncology assays and models can accelerate your drug discovery and development programmes.

Do you have a project requiring oncology expertise?
Let’s discuss today!

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