Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models: characteristics and points to consider for the process of establishment.

Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models: characteristics and points to consider for the process of establishment.
J Toxicol Pathol. 2020 Jul;33(3):153-160
Authors: Fujii E, Kato A, Suzuki M
Abstract
Tumor research has largely relied on xenograft models created by the engraftment of cultured cell lines derived from tumor tissues into immunodeficient mice for in vivo studies. Like in vitro models, such models retain the ability of tumor cells to continuously proliferate, so they have been used to predict the clinical relevance of studies on proliferating cells. However, these models are composed of a limited population of tumor cells, which include only those tumor cells that are able to adapt to culture conditions, and thus they do not reflect the diversity and heterogeneity of tumors. This, at least in part, explains the poor predictivity of non-clinical data in the research and development of molecularly targeted drugs. Recently, research focus has been directed towards patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models created by directly engrafting tumor tissues, which have not been cultured in vitro, into immunodeficient mice. PDX models reflect the diversity and heterogeneity of tumors, and the evidence they provide can be verified in the patient tissues from which they were derived originally. PDX models are anticipated to efficiently bridge non-clinical and clinical data in translational research. Based on the evidence obtained from our re...

Source: Journal of Toxicologic Pathology - August 13, 2020 Category: Toxicology Tags: J Toxicol Pathol Source Type: research