Syngeneic mouse models are a unique type of research model system that scientists can use to identify and test new types of immune oncology drugs. Unlike some other types of mouse models, syngeneic mouse models involve the study of tumour cells in mice with a functioning immune system (called “immuno-competent”). This makes it possible to test the efficacy of immune oncology drugs (i.e., the ability of a specific immune oncology drug to kill tumour cells), as well as the effects of other anti-cancer drugs on the immune system.

To enable high-quality pre-clinical immune oncology studies in ovarian cancer, a team of scientists joined forces to characterize various syngeneic mouse models of high-grade serous ovarian cancer based on various factors (e.g., which genes are expressed, response to commonly used anti-cancer treatments). The comprehensive data generated through this collaboration is freely available to all ovarian cancer researchers, to help them select the most appropriate and clinically relevant model to use in their own studies.