Close-up of an the ICR logo on a research centre

Centre for In Vivo Modelling

The Centre for In Vivo Modelling is a newly established research centre within the Division of Cancer Biology at the ICR. Our scientists and clinical researchers use state-of-the-art in vivo models to address fundamental questions in cancer biology, with the ultimate aim of identifying curative treatments. We also serve as a collaborative hub across the ICR and The Royal Marsden, providing cutting-edge expertise in advanced mouse genetics and humanised in vivo models of cancer.

Professor Kamil R Kranc, Chair of Haemato-Oncology, serves as the Centre's Director, while Fabiana Muzzonigro is the Centre Administrator.

 

How we conduct research at this centre

Solid tumours and blood cancers are highly complex ecosystems, with many composed of varying cell types including rare cancer stem cells at the apex of a hierarchical organisation, more differentiated malignant progeny, and a dynamic microenvironment that nurtures tumour growth and survival. At our Centre, we seek to elucidate the fundamental principles that govern this malignant ecosystem. We employ advanced mouse genetics (including barcoding and lineage tracing) and PDX models to dissect how tumour cells function, evolve under selective pressures, evade therapy, and engage with their microenvironment to sustain disease progression. By decoding these intricate cellular and molecular interactions, we aim to identify transformative therapeutic strategies capable of eradicating cancer at its origin - achieving durable remission while preserving normal tissue integrity.

A particular strength of our Centre lies in the generation and application of in vivo models, which are essential for uncovering novel aspects of cancer biology and evaluating emerging therapies. We work in close collaboration with ICR researchers and clinicians at The Royal Marsden to develop patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of leukaemias and solid tumours by transplanting human cancer tissue into immunocompromised mice. In parallel, we generate and utilise genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) to interrogate cancer biology in a physiologically relevant context. By leveraging these sophisticated in vivo systems, the Centre aims to:

  • Uncover new facets of cancer biology in a complex in vivo ecosystem
  • Discover and validate novel therapeutic targets allowing for elimination of cancer stem cells and their malignant progeny in blood cancers and solid tumours
  • Collaborate closely with drug discovery teams at the ICR to develop inhibitors of these targets
  • Evaluate new anti-cancer drugs in pre-clinical in vivo models, paving the way for clinical trials.

In addition to our academic focus, CIVM serves as a collaborative hub across the ICR and The Royal Marsden, providing the ICR community with cutting-edge expertise in advanced mouse genetics and humanised mouse models of cancer.

Members of this Centre

Headshot of Professor Kamil Kranc

Professor Kamil R Kranc

Director of the Centre for In Vivo Modelling & Group Leader

Haemato-Oncology Group
Professor Kristian Helin, head and shoulders in frame, stood in front of the ICR's Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery

Professor Kristian Helin

Group Leader

Epigenetics and Cancer
axel-behrens 300x300

Professor Axel Behrens

Group Leader

Cancer Stem Cell
Headshot of Cathrin Brisken

Professor Cathrin Brisken

Group Leader

Endocrine Control Mechanisms
Professor Louis Chesler (Profile pic)

Professor Louis Chesler

Clinical Senior Lecturer/Group Leader

Paediatric Solid Tumour Biology and Therapeutics
AmandaSwain, head of the Tumour Profiling Unit

Dr Amanda Swain

Group Leader

Development and Cancer
Marco Bezzi photo

Dr Marco Bezzi

Group Leader

Tumour Functional Heterogeneity
Professor Chris Jones

Professor Chris Jones

Head of Division

Glioma
anguraj sandanandam

Professor Anguraj Sadanandam

Group Leader

Systems and Precision Cancer Medicine Clinical Pharmacology & Trials
Dr Olivia Rossanese in the lab

Dr Olivia Rossanese

Director of the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery & Head of Division

Tumour Microenvironment and Pharmacology Target Evaluation and Molecular Therapeutics
Pipettes and well plates

In Vivo Modelling core

We provide cutting-edge expertise in advanced mouse genetics and humanized mouse models of cancer.
Find out more

CIVM Service Core

Dr Francisca Nunes de Almeida, PhD

Dr Francisca Nunes de Almeida

Staff Scientist

Dr Chenxin Liu, PhD

Dr Chenxin Liu

Technician

Dr Kallayanee Chawengsaksophak

Dr Kallayanee Chawengsaksophak

Senior Staff Scientist

Other staff:

Email: [email protected]

Driving discovery through collaboration 

At CIVM, our collaborative spirit drives our mission to advance cancer cures. We actively partner with basic science, translational, and clinical research groups across the ICR and The Royal Marsden. Our collaborations also extend beyond, working closely with distinguished academic teams at the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Cardiff, London, Glasgow, and the Francis Crick Institute.

 

News from the Centre

We are recruiting a Group Leader in In Vivo Cancer Modelling. We welcome applications at both the Career Development Faculty and Career Faculty levels. Competitive start up package is available. For further particulars please contact [email protected].

 

 

Current vacancies

Group Leader in In Vivo Cancer Modelling

  • Sutton
  • Cancer Biology
  • From £66,092 per annum
  • Fixed term

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London seeks to appoint a Group Leader in In Vivo Cancer Modelling to play a pivotal role in advancing our cutting-edge cancer research. The position is based at the newly established Centre for In Vivo Modelling (CIVM), part of the Division of Cancer Biology. We welcome applications at both the Career Development Faculty and Career Faculty levels. Key Requirements The successful candidate will generate and employ state-of-the-art genetic and humanised mouse models of cancer to tackle fundamental and translational questions in haemato-oncology and/or solid tumour oncology. In addition to leading a successful research group, they will expand the CIVM's research capabilities and foster productive collaborations with other groups and centres at the ICR, thus promoting in vivo modelling by integrating it into multidisciplinary projects and initiatives. Applicants must have an internationally recognised track record of leading research in in vivo modelling and advanced mouse genetics, demonstrated by high-quality publications and significant funding success. For more junior candidates, an outstanding track record in cancer research, coupled with a compelling research vision leveraging advanced genetic mouse models and clear potential to secure competitive external funding, is essential. As part of your online application you will be required to upload your full CV which will pre-populate your application form, you will also be asked to attach the following documents and failure to do so will mean your application cannot be considered on this occasion: Lists of major publications, achievements, research grants, distinctions. Research plan (five to six pages outlining your current research interests and research programme for the next 5 years) A PDF of a maximum of five key publications, or other research outputs (e.g. patents) that best demonstrate previous productivity You must also complete the personal statement section of the application form in the format of a covering letter including the names and contact details of three academic referees Department/Directorate Information: The ICR is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutions, with an outstanding track record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. In addition to being one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions for research quality and impact, the ICR is consistently ranked among the world’s most successful for industry collaboration. As a member institution of the University of London, we also provide postgraduate higher education of international distinction. One of the ICR’s key research strategies is to defeat cancer by viewing it as a dynamic ecosystem. We aim to solidify our expertise in state-of-the-art in vivo cancer models to probe these complex cancer ecosystems, discover their underlying biology, and identify new therapeutic targets. The postholder will significantly contribute to driving these strategic priorities. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. If you would like to informally discuss this position, please contact Professor Kamil R. Kranc ([email protected]), Director of the Centre for In Vivo Modelling, or Professor Chris Jones ([email protected]), Head of the Division of Cancer Biology at the ICR.

More info

Group Leader in Cancer Stem Cell Biology

  • Sutton
  • Cancer Biology
  • Competitive
  • Permanent

Key Requirements As part of your online application you will be required to upload your full CV which will pre-populate your application form, you will also be asked to attach the following documents and failure to do so will mean your application cannot be considered on this occasion: Lists of major publications, achievements, research grants, distinctions. Research plan (five to six pages outlining your current research interests and research programme for the next 5 years) A PDF of a maximum of five key publications, or other research outputs (e.g. patents) that best demonstrate previous productivity You must also complete the personal statement section of the application form in the format of a covering letter including the names and contact details of three academic referees Department/Directorate Information: The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London seeks to appoint a Group Leader in Cancer Stem Cell Biology to play a pivotal role in advancing our cutting-edge cancer research. The position will be based in newly-refurbished laboratory and office space at our Sutton campus within the Division of Cancer Biology. We welcome applications at both the Career Development Faculty and Career Faculty levels. The ICR is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutions, with an outstanding track record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. In addition to being one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions for research quality and impact, the ICR is consistently ranked among the world’s most successful for industry collaboration. As a member institution of the University of London, we also provide postgraduate higher education of international distinction. One of the ICR’s key research strategies is to defeat cancer by viewing it as a dynamic ecosystem. We aim to solidify our expertise in the biology of cancer stem cellsaq. The postholder will significantly contribute to understanding the underlying biology of cancer stem cells and how this may be exploited to address key questions in tumour relapse, disease progression and metastasis. The successful candidate will have a compelling research programme focused on cancer stem cell biology in an area which complements existing disease-specific expertise at the ICR / Royal Marsden NHS trust. Possible areas of research include (but are not restricted to) basic mechanisms of self-renewal and pluripotency, regulation of cancer stem cell fate / differentiation, how they remodel the tumour microenvironment into a supportive niche, targeting treatment resistance of cancer stem cells, and the role of CSCs in driving the metastatic cascade. Applicants must have an internationally recognised track record of leading research in cancer stem cell biology, demonstrated by high-quality publications and significant funding success. For more junior candidates, an outstanding postdoctoral track record in cancer research, coupled with a compelling research vision in a strategic area of cancer stem cell biology and clear potential to secure competitive external funding, is essential. If you would like to informally discuss this position, please contact Professor Chris Jones ([email protected]), Head of the Division of Cancer Biology at the ICR.

More info

News from the ICR

19/12/25

Researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, will contribute to a £13.7 million research consortium aimed at developing new brain tumour treatments, following an announcement by the NIHR today.

The funding will establish the NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium. The consortium is a national partnership uniting hospitals, universities, cancer centres and charities along with patients. This is a coordinated UK-wide effort to transform outcomes for people living with brain tumours and their families.

Professor Juanita Lopez, from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), will lead the Consortium. Professor Darren Hargrave of Great Ormond Street Hospital and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health is a co-lead. Dr Richard Mair from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute at the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is also a co-lead.

Finding new treatments for brain tumours

The researchers will develop and enhance innovative clinical trials. These will focus on new and emerging treatments through precision medicine – where treatments are tailored to an individual's tumour. In future, the consortium team hopes to expand into new areas such as radiotherapy techniques, and gene therapies, which modify a person's DNA to tackle cancer, and immunotherapies, which use the immune system against the cancer. This will create stronger evidence to support future NHS access if treatments prove safe and effective and improve health outcomes.

Today’s announcement from the NIHR will be followed by further funding into brain tumour treatment trials in early 2026, delivered through the consortium. The consortium will complement research funded and delivered by other funders beyond the NIHR, including the Medical Research Council and UK Research and Innovation.

Brain tumours are among the toughest cancers to treat. This world-leading consortium will help doctors and researchers understand the disease better, test new innovative treatments earlier, and make trials available to more adults and children closer to home.

The consortium will also support the development of the next generation of leaders in brain tumour research. This strengthens the UK as a key location for evaluating brain tumour treatments, both now and for the future.

Rapidly taking brain tumour discoveries into clinical trials

Professor Juanita Lopez, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Group Leader at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:

"I am really excited for this transformational opportunity to build a contemporary, coordinated, national collaboration that will allow the best of science to be taken forward rapidly into clinical trials, and accelerate new drugs all the way to registration for patient benefit."

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said:

"Brain tumours devastate lives, and for too long we haven't had the right tools to tackle them effectively. 

"By bringing together our brilliant researchers, NHS teams, charities and patients, we're taking a major step forward in our mission to create an NHS Fit for the Future and ensure fewer lives are lost to the biggest killers. This consortium will help us better understand brain tumours, treat more effectively, and ultimately save lives. 

"Everyone deserves the chance to live well for longer, and this research investment is part of our commitment to building a fairer, healthier country."

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care, and NIHR CEO, said: 

"Brain tumours are one of the most difficult cancers to treat with thousands of people diagnosed each year. This new funding aims to shift the dial in brain tumour research, accelerating the UK towards more life-changing treatments for adults and children with this deadly disease.

"This vital partnership brings together some of the UK’s best scientists, health and care professionals, charities and patients to improve lives through cutting-edge research. It demonstrates how NIHR is driving life-changing research for the health of our society, and ensuring more people can be part of research including those from underserved communities."

Improving brain tumour survival rates

There are 13,000 new brain, other central nervous system (CNS) and intracranial tumour cases in the UK every year. They are the eighth most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 3 per cent of all new cancer cases. 

The new consortium will address five challenges contributing to the current lack of new and effective therapies:

  • Large amounts of variation. There are more than 100 brain cancer types and even patients with the same type can be affected differently.
  • The limited number of new drugs available for testing.
  • Insufficient research facilities, research leaders and research staff.
  • Shortcomings in planning and execution of research studies.
  • Lack of consistent and dedicated support for brain cancer research.

The partnership has the potential to shift the dial and position the UK as a leading location for brain tumour treatment research. Its activities will include:

  • Enrolling patients to a ‘real world’ study tracking their progress in everyday medical settings. Then they will be matched to new clinical trials based on their cancer subtype.
  • Developing pioneering new clinical trials. This includes platform trials. This will test interventions including targeted precision medicines, radiotherapy technologies, immunotherapies, and novel gene therapies.
  • Developing new training programmes for those working in brain cancer research to build capacity. This will increase skills among the next generation of researchers.
  • Partnering with patients to ensure the patient’s voice is heard.

This article was adapted from a piece on the NIHR website. Read the NIHR article in full here.

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