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

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: Cancer Biology Division 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: Cancer Biology 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 cells. 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

Data Scientist

  • Sutton
  • Cancer Biology
  • £39,805 - £53,500
  • Fixed term

Under the guidance of Professor Trevor Graham, we are seeking to recruit a Data Scientist to support Data Science research across the ICR. The successful candidate will have particular work on the analysis of spatial data (including multiplex immunohistochemistry, H&Es and spatial transcriptomics) and will be required to stay abreast of new developments in the field and provide training to colleagues. About you The successful candidate must have: A PhD in quantitative subject, or likely to be awarded PhD in the near future. Research experience equivalent to PhD level will be considered. Undergraduate degree, or Masters or equivalent in a quantitative subject. Skills in bioinformatics computing coding, in languages including R, Python and other scripting languages as is appropriate. Experience of using high performance computing (HPC) systems for scientific computing. Experience of computational biology research methodologies pertinent to the role. Department/Directorate Information The Data Science Committee is chaired by Professor Trevor Graham, providing academic leadership of data science at the ICR to maximise the impact of our cancer research, by applying innovative data science and computation tools (in addition to our traditional areas of strength) to tackle the important cancer questions and ensuring infrastructure is considered to enable this. What we offer A dynamic and supportive research environment Access to state-of-the-art facilities and professional development opportunities Collaboration with leading researchers in the field Competitive salary and pension We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Prof Trevor Graham [email protected].

More info

News from the ICR

26/01/26

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, welcomes the decision by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to recommend the targeted drug talazoparib (trade name Talzenna), in combination with enzalutamide, for adults with prostate cancer that has spread.

The judgement makes this new drug combination available for around 2,400 patients in England who cannot take standard treatments and for whom chemotherapy is not suitable.

The recommendation marks an important step forward in giving people more treatment options – especially those who cannot undergo chemotherapy. The once-daily pill can be taken at home, offering convenience and flexibility for patients.

The ICR's role in trialling talazoparib

Professor Johann de Bono, Regius Professor of Cancer Research at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, led the first-in-human talazoparib trial as well as the phase II TALAPRO-1 trial, which showed that talazoparib could kill prostate cancer cells and prevent its growth. The trial demonstrated the effectiveness and tolerability of the drug for the first time in prostate cancer.

The follow-up phase III trial, TALAPRO-2, tested the drug in combination with enzalutamide, with results providing the basis for the NICE recommendation.

Talazoparib is a PARP inhibitor – it blocks an enzyme that repairs damaged DNA in certain cancer cells. Cancer cells with DNA repair gene faults – such as BRCA, ATM or PALB2 – already have a defective DNA repair system. By using a drug to block PARP, which helps repair DNA when it is damaged, cancer cells are unable to repair themselves.

Developing PARP inhibitors

Twenty years ago, a team of ICR researchers first discovered that PARP inhibitors could be used to target BRCA-mutated cancers. Together with The Royal Marsden, researchers at the ICR including Professor Johann de Bono trialled a PARP inhibitor called olaparib in patients with breast and prostate cancer containing DNA repair gene faults.

A team of ICR researchers, led by Professor Alan Ashworth and Professor Chris Lord in the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, first described talazoparib and explained how it works in 2013. Researchers at the ICR then led the first trials of the drug in humans, in 2017. The drug now joins olaparib as one of the first genetically targeted treatments for prostate cancer. As a targeted therapy, it is a much kinder option for patients than chemotherapy.

'Without the side effects of chemotherapy'

Professor Johann de Bono, Regius Professor of Cancer Research at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“There is an urgent need for effective treatment options after hormonal therapies have stopped working against advanced prostate cancer. The approval of talazoparib will provide another treatment option for these men. The pill can be taken at home, and it comes without many of the side effects of chemotherapy.

“In our TALAPRO-1 trial, we showed that talazoparib – a type of PARP inhibitor – kills prostate cancer cells and puts this into remission, especially in men whose tumours have faults in DNA repair genes such as BRCA mutations. The follow-up trial, TALAPRO-2, provided the basis of today’s decision.”

See more discoveries