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.

Join us

We are recruiting two exceptional Group Leaders to join the Division of Cancer Biology and the Centre for In Vivo Modelling (CIVM). This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of cancer biology research, lead innovative programmes, and make discoveries that transform patient outcomes.

These new Group Leaders will investigate fundamental mechanisms of tumour initiation, progression, and treatment resistance, and develop cutting-edge preclinical models to advance understanding of cancer biology. Working in close collaboration across the ICR and The Royal Marsden Hospital, the postholders will translate discovery science into new therapeutic opportunities, contributing to the ICR’s mission to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.

Find out more about the vacancies

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

There are currently no vacancies available in this group or area.

News from the ICR

05/02/26 - by

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) has welcomed the approval of ambitious new plans to create a home for oncology and life-sciences companies in Sutton, south London.

The plans describe the building of several large, multi-story buildings for the life-sciences industry, by a consortium led by Aviva Capital Partners and mixed-use developer Socius.

They will deliver around one million square feet of new, state-of-the-art research and laboratory space across a 12-acre site, at the heart of a wider campus that is already home to a large proportion of the ICR’s research community.

The London Cancer Hub

The London Cancer Hub is a long-running partnership between organisations based across the site in Sutton and the London Borough of Sutton (Sutton Council).

The site is already a globally recognised cluster for cancer research, treatment and commercialisation, helping translate scientific discovery into patient and economic impact.

It is home to internationally renowned institutions including the ICR and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the Innovation Gateway, which supports early-stage life sciences companies.

The new plans – now approved by Sutton Council – are set to strengthen The London Cancer Hub’s wider innovation ecosystem and support collaboration between researchers, clinicians, start-ups, scale-ups and global life sciences companies to drive scientific breakthroughs and support emerging businesses.

Economic growth

The London Cancer Hub is recognised as a nationally significant science infrastructure project, aligned with government ambitions to position the UK as a global leader in life sciences and health innovation.

Named in the Mayor of London’s Growth Plan as a key engine for frontier innovation – as well as south London and Sutton regional economic development plans – the project will deliver significant economic benefits, create high-skilled jobs and draw international investment into the UK’s life sciences sector.

It is expected to create 3,000 new jobs, the majority in high-skilled R&D and life sciences-related manufacturing. The expansion forms part of the wider London Cancer Hub district and, once the full district is realised, is expected to support around 13,000 jobs in total and contribute an estimated £1.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy, according to analysis by the London Borough of Sutton.

First wave of development

Infrastructure and enabling works for the first wave of development – which includes multiple large life-sciences building – are expected to start within weeks.

The ICR is also currently working with partners on the redevelopment of a section of a large laboratory building as a home for life-sciences companies, available to companies in the shorter term.

In the meantime, there are currently a limited number of laboratories available at the Innovation Gateway, as well as office space.

Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:

“We warmly welcome the approval of these ambitious new plans for The London Cancer Hub, a project the ICR has long championed. Their delivery will create a vibrant, globally competitive life-sciences ecosystem at our Sutton campus, attracting innovative companies and deepening collaboration between academia, industry and the NHS. This environment will further strengthen our world-leading research and help us attract the very best scientists and students from around the world.

“Overall, these plans will accelerate the translation of pioneering discoveries into patient benefit and establish The London Cancer Hub as a nationally and internationally significant centre for cancer innovation – driving investment, enabling the growth of oncology-focused life-sciences companies, and reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in cancer research and life-sciences.”

Creating an environment where innovation can flourish

Sophie White, Sector Head Regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, said:

"We’re delighted to secure planning consent for the London Cancer Hub – a landmark moment for this scheme. This development will deliver critical science infrastructure for the UK, helping the UK get ready by creating an environment where innovation can flourish and lifesaving research can accelerate. We are proud to play a role in shaping a campus that will have a profound impact on global health, as well as the economy."

Daniel May, Director of Socius said:

"The London Cancer Hub is about more than buildings. We are delivering the next phase of investment into an already world-class cancer district, creating a powerful catalyst for private investment and long-term growth. It’s about creating a vibrant ecosystem where collaboration drives discovery. By working closely with the ICR, The Royal Marsden, and our partners, we are delivering a world‑class environment that will support businesses, attract investment, and ultimately improve patient outcomes." 

Contact

To find out more about upcoming space at The London Cancer Hub including at the Innovation Gateway incubator, contact ICR Business Development Manager Andy Carr at [email protected] or [email protected].

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