Providing in vivo and patient-derived models for translational cancer research
Preclinical models are essential for investigating disease mechanisms and evaluating new therapeutic strategies. At UCCSH, a range of experimental platforms provides access to both in vivo models and patient-derived systems, enabling comprehensive approaches to cancer research.
These platforms include animal facilities as well as innovative patient-specific model systems, such as three-dimensional tumor avatars. Together, they support the functional analysis of disease processes and treatment responses and contribute to bridging the gap between basic research and clinical application.
Unit for 3D-Patient Avatars & Personalized Medicine
The Unit for 3D Patient Avatars develops patient-derived three-dimensional models to study tumor biology and to support personalized treatment strategies in oncology.
Approach: Generation of patient-specific 3D tumor models (organoids) to reflect individual disease characteristics
Application: Functional testing of therapeutic strategies and prediction of treatment response
Focus: Bridging preclinical research and personalized medicine through patient-based experimental systems
Head: Dr. Nina Hedemann (Nina.Hedemann@uksh.de)
Advanced Postdocs & Clinician Scientists:
David Holthaus (David.Holthaus@uksh.de)
Christoph Rogmans (Christoph.Rogmans@uksh.de)
These models enable the investigation of tumor behavior and treatment responses under controlled conditions and contribute to the development of individualized therapeutic approaches.
Central Animal Facility Kiel
The Central Animal Facility Kiel provides infrastructure for animal-based research under standardized and regulated conditions.
Contact: exp.med-zth@uksh-kiel.de
Head: Prof. Gerhardt Schultheiß (tierschutz@email.uni-kiel.de)
Deputy Head: Sarah Vieten (tierschutz@email.uni-kiel.de)
Animal welfare officers: Prof. Gerhardt Schultheiß and Sarah Vieten
Gnotobiotic Animal Facility
The gnotobiotic animal facility enables research under defined microbiological conditions.
Contact: PD Dr. Felix Sommer (gnotobiology@email.uni-kiel.de)
Services: A list of available services is provided online
Joint Animal Facility Lübeck
The Joint Animal Facility Lübeck provides infrastructure for animal-based research at the University of Lübeck under standardized and regulated conditions.
Contact: info@gth.uni-luebeck.de
Head: Dr. med. vet. Barthel Schmelting (barthel.schmelting@uni-luebeck.de)
Deputy Head: Dr. rer. nat. Michael Niehaus (michael.niehaus@uni-luebeck.de)
Fee schedule: Available via the website

