Preclinical models in neuro-oncology play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of brain tumors. With the support of the PETRA Network (PrEclinical and TRAnslational research in neurooncology), researchers can benefit from advanced technologies and valuable advice from experts in the field, enhancing both preclinical research and translational research efforts.
PETRATECH is the technical platform of the PETRA Network, labeled "Plateforme Aix-Marseille", with a range of cutting-edge preclinical models and divided into 3 complementary components:
- PETRATECHvitro dedicated to the production of preclinical in vitro 3D models of brain tumors derived from samples of surgical excision of patients (Departments of Neurosurgery, APHM).
- PETRATECHvivo specialized in the development and use of preclinical in vivo models of brain tumors (mouse and rat).
- PETRATECHradio equipped with SARRP® for precision irradiation for small animals enabling targeted irradiation of tumors with preservation of healthy tissue, under experimental conditions close to the clinic.
PETRATECHvitro
The PETRATECHvitro platform is specialized in the production of preclinical in vitro 3D models of primary brain tumors and brain metastases, adults and pediatrics, derived from samples of surgical excisions (surgical waste) of patients operated in the Departments of neurosurgery at the APHM and transmitted by the Biological Resource Center of the APHM, within the framework of regulated protocols (CODECOH Declaration File DC-2025-7312).
We use and analyze these models in the evaluation of response to treatments and neurotoxicity.
Available models
- Spheroids of human glioblastoma cancer stem cell primary cell lines with different molecular profiles.
- Tumoroids and explants derived from patient tumors: IDH-wt glioblastomas, meningiomas, other adult or pediatric primary brain tumors, brain metastases – lung, colon, breast, other.
- Organotypic cultures.
Our services
- Production of 3D models: spheroids, tumoroids and explants
- Cryopreservation and paraffin inclusion of models
- Time-lapse video microscopy
- Evaluation of response to treatment and neurotoxicity
- Histopathological analyses
- Additional immunostaining analyses
- Advice and training
PETRATECHvivo
In partnership with the CEFOS (Centre d'Exploration FOnctionnelle Scientifique) and the CERIMED (Centre Européen de Recherche en Imagerie Médicale) animal facility on the Timone Campus, the PETRATECHvivo platform is specialized in the development and use of preclinical in vivo models (mouse and rat) of adult and pediatric primary brain tumors and brain metastases. The platform develops syngeneic orthotopic models, intracerebral xenograft models, as well as a surgical resection/tumor recurrence model.
We use and analyze these integrated models in the evaluation of response to treatments and neurotoxicity.
Available models
- Syngeneic mouse models
- Syngeneic rat models
- Intracerebral xenograft models of glioblastoma cancer stem cell primary cell lines
- Surgical resection/tumor recurrence model (biopsy punch)
Our services
- Monitoring of tumor growth by bioluminescence
- Evaluation of response to treatment and neurotoxicity
- Analysis of survival and tumor response
- Cryopreservation and paraffin inclusion of brains or other organs
- Histopathological analyses
- Additional immunostaining analyses
- Advice and training
PETRATECHradio
The PETRATECHradio platform offers a precision irradiation device for small animals (SARRP®, Xstrahl), which is unique in the Southern Region. The SARRP® is hosted within the CERIMED (Centre Européen de Recherche en Imagerie Médicale) in order to comply with the safety requirements related to the use of an irradiation device, to ensure direct access between the animal facility and the SARRP®, and to integrate the equipment into the CERIMED technical platform to carry out longitudinal, multidisciplinary and multimodal experimentation campaigns.
Available models
- Irradiation of cell models
- Irradiation of mouse and rat models: total, partial, fractional, targeted body irradiation, with preservation of healthy tissue
- Reproduction of clinical conditions of conventional radiotherapy on preclinical models such as those developed on the PETRATECHvivo platform
- STUPP Treatment for preclinical glioblastoma models
Our services
- Evaluation of response to treatments (combined strategies: systemic or local treatment + radiotherapy)
- Longitudinal animal monitoring
- Evaluation of radiosensitivity
- Evaluation of the neurotoxicity of radiotherapy
- Analyses of survival and tumor response
- Advice