This journal article [link] discusses use of the Oncopig by researchers at Mayo Clinic.  The specific study demonstrated the use of irreversible electroporation (IRE) to treat colorectal cancer using the Oncopig large animal model, with support from Sus Clinicals. This research highlights the Oncopig’s potential as a translational platform for preclinical cancer therapy development and device validation, focusing on feasibility and early safety results for IRE in colorectal tumors.

Overview

Researchers induced colorectal tumors in genetically modified Oncopigs using an adenoviral vector technique, closely mimicking human colorectal cancer mutations (KRAS and TP53). Tumor induction was confirmed, and treatment commenced with a novel endoscopic IRE device (EndoVE Mirai Medical), which delivers high-frequency electrical pulses to ablate tissue nonthermally. Ten tumors were treated, achieving either “good” or “fair” probe contact, and endoscopic guidance allowed for precise targeting of tumor masses. The device and IRE procedure were safe, with no adverse or delayed effects observed in the animal cohort.

Key Findings

• Tumor size decreased post-treatment, with significant ulceration and scarring at ablation sites, and histopathology confirmed effective local necrosis with minimal fibrosis.Mayo-colorectal-electroproration.pdf​
• At various follow-up timepoints (from 5 days to 4 weeks), treated tumors showed necrosis, inflammation, and eventual fibrosis, demonstrating progressive tissue remodeling and response to IRE.
• Oncopigs had uneventful clinical courses, supporting the safety of the procedure for device and therapy testing.
• The Oncopig model’s inducible mutations and anatomical relevance provide superior translation for gastrointestinal cancer research, compared to small rodent models.

Implications and Client Benefits

This study underscores the value of Sus Clinicals’ Oncopig model for clients aiming to validate new interventional devices and therapies in a realistic large animal setting before human trials. The unique genetic modifications of Oncopigs enable the induction and monitoring of clinically relevant tumor biology and therapeutic response, providing actionable evidence for safety and feasibility assessments. For prospective clients, these findings illustrate how Sus Clinicals’ services can accelerate preclinical validation and bridge the gap to first-in-human studies using robust, scalable models.