Expert researchers describe in detail their most productive and up-to-date methods for growing cancer cells in the laboratory. There are methods to characterize and authenticate cell lines, to isolate and develop specific types of cancer cells, and to develop new cell line models. Functional assays are provided to evaluate clonogenicity, cell proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, migration, invasion, senescence, angiogenesis, and cell cycle parameters. Other methods permit the modification of cancer cells for transfection, development of drug resistance, immortalization, and transfer in vivo; the co-culture of different cell types; and the detection and treatment of contamination.