Validated xenograft models are animal models used in preclinical research to study the growth and behavior of human tumors in vivo. These models involve transplanting human tumor cells or tissues into immunodeficient animals, such as mice or rats, and allowing them to grow and develop.
The process of validating a xenograft model involves verifying that the model accurately recapitulates the biology and behavior of the human tumor being studied. This typically involves evaluating a range of endpoints, such as tumor growth rate, response to treatment, and gene expression profiles.
There are several different types of validated xenograft models, each with its own strengths and limitations. These include:
- Subcutaneous models: Subcutaneous models involve implanting tumor cells or tissue under the skin of the animal. These models are relatively easy to establish and monitor, but may not accurately reflect the microenvironment of the original tumor.
- Orthotopic models: Orthotopic models involve implanting tumor cells or tissue in the organ or tissue from which the tumor originated. These models may more closely mimic the original tumor microenvironment and can be useful for studying metastasis, but are more technically challenging to establish and monitor.
- Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models: PDX models involve transplanting patient tumor tissue directly into animals. These models may more accurately reflect the biology and behavior of the original tumor, but are more challenging to establish and may have limited availability.
Validated xenograft models are an important tool for studying the biology of human tumors and evaluating potential treatments. By providing a more accurate representation of human disease, these models can help researchers identify promising new therapies and improve our understanding of cancer biology.
