Local irradiation of patient-derived tumors in immunodeficient mice

Severe combined immunodeficient mice are typically used for xenografting experiments and show reliable tumor engraftment; however, their Prkdscid mutation renders them highly sensitive to irradiation. Here, we describe a protocol that allows safe local irradiation of tumor xenografts in immunodeficient mice. We detail the steps for the establishment and handling of patient-derived cancer cultures, subcutaneous injection of cancer cells on the mouse hind limb, localized irradiation in mice, tumor monitoring, and tumor characterization via histological and immunohistochemical assessment. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Dings et al. (2022).1 [Display omitted] •Protocol for local irradiation of tumor xenografts in SCID mice•Steps for dissociation of patient-derived tissues and establishment of cancer cultures•Subcutaneous injection of patient-derived cells on mouse hind limb and tumor monitoring•Can be widely used for safe irradiation of tumors in immunodeficient mice Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. Severe combined immunodeficient mice are typically used for xenografting experiments and show reliable tumor engraftment; however, their Prkdscid mutation renders them highly sensitive to irradiation. Here, we describe a protocol that allows safe local irradiation of tumor xenografts in immunodeficient mice. We detail the steps for the establishment and handling of patient-derived cancer cultures, subcutaneous injection of cancer cells on the mouse hind limb, localized irradiation in mice, tumor monitoring, and tumor characterization via histological and immunohistochemical assessment.