Patient-derived xenograft

Patient-derived xenograft (often abbreviated as PDX) is a type of xenograft that is used for cancer research. PDX models are created by implanting cancer cells or tissues from a patient into an immunodeficient mouse. This allows researchers to study the biology of the cancer and test potential treatments in a living organism.

History

The use of PDX models in cancer research began in the late 20th century. The first PDX models were created using leukemia cells, but the technique has since been expanded to include a wide variety of cancer types.

Methodology

To create a PDX model, cancer cells or tissues are first obtained from a patient. These cells are then implanted into an immunodeficient mouse, either subcutaneously (under the skin) or orthotopically (in the same location as the original tumor). The implanted cells are allowed to grow and form a tumor, which can then be studied or used for drug testing.

Advantages and Disadvantages

PDX models have several advantages over other types of cancer models. Because they are derived from human patients, they more accurately reflect the biology of human cancers. They also allow for the study of cancer in a living organism, which can provide more relevant information than in vitro studies.

However, PDX models also have some disadvantages. They require the use of immunodeficient mice, which can be expensive and require specialized care. Additionally, because the implanted cells are human, they may not interact with the mouse's body in the same way that mouse cells would.

Applications

PDX models are used in a variety of research applications. They are often used to study the biology of cancer, including the processes of tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. They can also be used to test potential cancer treatments, including both chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs.

See Also

• Cancer research
• Xenograft
• Immunodeficient mouse
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy

Patient-derived xenograft Resources
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