Patient-Derived Xenograft Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide
Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDXs) have become a cornerstone in cancer research, offering a more faithful model of human tumors compared to traditional cell lines. These models involve transplanting tumor tissue directly from a patient into immunodeficient mice, preserving the tumor’s original architecture, genetic heterogeneity, and microenvironment. The preparation of PDX models requires careful planning, precision, and adherence to ethical and biosafety standards.
Tissue Collection and Handling
The first step in PDX preparation begins with the collection of tumor tissue from surgical resections or biopsies. Maintaining tissue viability is critical, so samples are typically placed in cold, sterile transport medium enriched with nutrients and antibiotics to prevent contamination. The time from excision to implantation should be minimized, ideally within a few hours, to preserve cell viability and the tumor’s histological characteristics.
Once in the laboratory, the tissue is carefully dissected to remove necrotic regions and excess…
