Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, applications and challenges in cancer research

J Transl Med. 2022 May 10;20(1):206. doi: 10.1186/s12967-022-03405-8.

Abstract

The establishing of the first cancer models created a new perspective on the identification and evaluation of new anti-cancer therapies in preclinical studies. Patient-derived xenograft models are created by tumor tissue engraftment. These models accurately represent the biology and heterogeneity of different cancers and recapitulate tumor microenvironment. These features have made it a reliable model along with the development of humanized models. Therefore, they are used in many studies, such as the development of anti-cancer drugs, co-clinical trials, personalized medicine, immunotherapy, and PDX biobanks. This review summarizes patient-derived xenograft models development procedures, drug development applications in various cancers, challenges and limitations.

Keywords: Avatar model of cancer; Cancer animal model; Humanized model; PDX; Preclinical study.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Heterografts
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Precision Medicine* / methods
  • Tumor Microenvironment
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays