Improving housing conditions in tumor xenograft mice for better refinement

This animal housing refinement project aims to improve the wellbeing of nude mice used in experimental oncology and nuclear medicine, while increasing the robustness and reliability of studies performed with these animals. The project proposes that housing at thermoneutrality (30° C) versus conventional housing (22° C) improves tumor growth independent of Matrigel, radioligand imaging and efficacy of radioligand therapy. These hypotheses will be verified by measuring wellbeing, tumor growth, radioligand uptake (biodistribution, PET/CT, autoradiography) and treatment success (survival, growth inhibition). If validated, the results of this project may initiate a change towards refined housing practices for nude mice in experimental oncology and nuclear medicine.