For oncology research and development, Cell Line-Derived Xenograft models (CDX) remain one of the most efficient models due to their unmatched scalability and genetic fidelity. At Protheragen, CDX model development services are uniquely tailored to drive forward translational research through the provision of consistent and biologically relevant xenograft systems customized to client specifications.
Overview of Cell Line-Derived Xenograft (CDX) Models
Preclinical oncology relies on cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) models as they provide reproducible, economical, and effective systems for studying tumor biology, drug efficacy, and resistance mechanisms in a cost-effective manner. These models are made by incorporating specific cancer cell lines into immunodeficient mice and observing tumor development in vivo.
CDX model cell lines are well-characterized and genomically stable, which makes them ideal for swift therapeutic screening. Unlike PDX models that sustain heterogeneity, CDXs provide greater control over experimental variables; thus, their utility in early-stage research is amplified.
Fig.1 Diagram of PDXs and cell lines established from surgical cases. (Kuwata T.,
et al., 2019)
Comparative Analysis: CDX Versus PDX and GEMM Models
Although comparable to Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDXs) in lower heterogeneity, CDX models stand out for their unparalleled reproducibility and ease of scale. While Genetically Engineered Mouse Models (GEMMs) are useful for studying tumor initiation and progression within specific genetic parameters, they come with a very high timeline and resource burden. Thus, for mechanistic studies and high-throughput pharmacologic screening, CDX models continue to be the preferred option.
| Model Type |
Biological Source |
Tumor Heterogeneity |
Development Time |
Immunological Context |
Drug Testing Fidelity |
| CDX |
Cultured cell lines |
Low |
2–6 weeks |
Absent (immunodeficient mice) |
Moderate |
| PDX |
Patient tumor tissue |
High |
8–16 weeks |
Absent |
High |
| GEMM |
Genetically engineered mice |
Variable |
Months to years |
Intact murine immune system |
Variable |
Our Services
Protheragen offers a diverse portfolio of CDX model development services, catering to the varied needs of researchers and pharmaceutical companies. Our services include the establishment of subcutaneous and orthotopic CDX models, each designed to provide unique insights into tumor biology and therapeutic efficacy.
Types of CDX Models
Subcutaneous CDX Models
- Rapid tumor development.
- Straightforward tumor volume measurement.
- Ideal for drug screening and PK/PD studies.
Orthotopic CDX Models
- Tumors implanted into the organ of origin (e.g., pancreas, brain, colon).
- Mimics native tumor microenvironment and metastatic behavior.
- Enhanced translational relevance for metastatic cancer research.
Intravenous CDX Models
- Metastasis Tracking and Tumor Distribution
- Biodistribution Studies
- Immune Response Evaluation
- Therapeutic Testing
Conventional Tumor Cell Lines
| Organ |
Cell Line |
| Lung |
A549, NCI-H1944, NCI-H1299, NCI-H460, LLC, NCI-1975 |
| Liver |
Hep 3B, Hep 3B-Luc, Hep G2, HCC-LM3, MHCC97-L, Hepa1-6-Luc, SK-HEP-1, Huh-7 |
| Bile Duct |
HCC9810, RBE, GBC-SD |
| Stomach |
MFC, MKN45, HGC27, NCI-N87 |
| Pancreas |
BxPC-3, AsPC-1, PANC-1, HPTF-SV40, MIN6, INS-1 |
| Kidney |
Caki-1 |
| Colon |
HCT116, HT-29, SW480, Colon26 (C26), MC38, CT26.WT |
| Abdominal Cavity |
S-180 |
| Breast |
MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, 4T1 |
| Head & Neck |
SCCT |
| Thyroid Gland |
TPC-1 |
| Uterus |
HeLa, ME-180, C-33A, U14, Ca Ski, SIHA, HEC-1-B, SK-OV-3, SK-OV-3-DDP, A2780 |
| Skin |
A375, B16-F10, B16-F1, SACC-83 |
| Esophagus |
KYSE150 |
| Nasopharynx |
C666-1, 6-10B |
| Brain |
U251, LN229, SW1783, SHG-44, SH-SY5Y, SK-N-BE2, U87 MG, U87 MG-Luc, BV-2, C6 |
| Lymph |
K562, Jurkat Clone E6-1, CCRF-CEM, A20 |
| Urinary System |
5637, PC-3, SW780, LNCaP, 22RV1, DU145 |
| Other |
143B-Luc, HT1080, K7M2 |
Single and Dual Gene Target Tumor Primary Cell Bank
| sgP53/Myc Mouse pancreatic cancer progenitor cell |
sgP53/Myc Mouse liver cancer progenitor cell |
| Braf(V600E)/Myc Mouse liver cancer progenitor cell |
SRC/Myc Mouse liver cancer progenitor cell |
| CCND1/Myc Mouse liver cancer progenitor cell |
AKT/Myc Mouse ovarian cancer progenitor cell |
| CTNNB1/Myc Mouse liver cancer progenitor cell |
AKT/Myc Mouse alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma progenitor cell |
| M1H1/Myc Mouse liver cancer progenitor cell |
Myc Gastric cancer progenitor cell |
| Met/CTNNB1 Mouse liver cancer progenitor cell |
At Protheragen, our CDX model development services are designed to support the entire spectrum of cancer research, from early drug discovery to preclinical evaluation. Our team of experienced scientists works closely with clients to understand their research objectives and select the most appropriate CDX model configuration. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to
contact us.
References
- Kuwata, Takeshi, et al. "Establishment of novel gastric cancer patient-derived xenografts and cell lines: pathological comparison between primary tumor, patient-derived, and cell-line derived xenografts." Cells 8.6 (2019): 585.
- Lallo, Alice, et al. "Circulating tumor cells and CDX models as a tool for preclinical drug development." Translational lung cancer research 6.4 (2017): 397.
- Voulgarelis, Dimitrios, Krishna C. Bulusu, and James WT Yates. "Comparison of classical tumour growth models for patient-derived and cell-line derived xenografts using the nonlinear mixed-effects framework." Journal of Biological Dynamics 16.1 (2022): 160-185.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
