The Application of Patient-Derived Xenograft Models in Gynecologic Cancers

Abstract

Recently, due to the limitations of cell line models and animal models in the preclinical research with insufficient reflecting the physiological situation of humans, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of many cancers have been widely developed because of their better representation of the tumor heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment with retention of the cellular complexity, cytogenetics, and stromal architecture. PDX models now have been identified as a powerful tool for determining cancer characteristics, developing new treatment, and predicting drug efficacy. An increase in attempts to generate PDX models in gynecologic cancers has emerged in recent years to understand tumorigenesis. Hence, this review summarized the generation of PDX models and engraftment success of PDX models in gynecologic cancers. Furthermore, we illustrated the similarity between PDX model and original tumor, and described preclinical utilization of PDX models in gynecologic cancers. It would help supply better personalized therapy for gynecologic cancer patients.

The role of the tumor primary chemosensitivity relative to the success of the medical-surgical management in patients with advanced ovarian carcinomas

“…For example, high consistency was found between clinical response to platinum-based chemotherapy and PDX response to cisplatin in a pilot study of 10 patients with platinum-sensitive or platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancers [8]. However, the routine implementation of this approach suffers from several limitations, including time-consumption for patients & research team, inconsistent engraftment rates, need for adequate facilities, high cost, loss of immune systems, and uncontrolled impact of the tumor microenvironment [9].…”

Identification of Prognostic Markers of Gynecologic Cancers Utilizing Patient-Derived Xenograft Mouse Models

“…In addition, they accurately replicate the results of corresponding therapies received by patients [36]. Therefore, PDX models have many roles in precision medicine, and many gynecologic cancer PDX models have also been established for preclinical or clinical research [29].…”

“…Initially, PDX models were designed to screen anti-cancer drugs for personalized medicine. This is because PDX tumor tissues have similar clinicopathological characteristics for each patient [27][28][29]. However, such efforts were soon challenged because it was uncertain whether the PDX establishment was successful, and a substantial period of time was also required before drug testing [30].…”

Establishment and characterization of patient-derived head and neck cancer models from surgical specimens and endoscopic biopsies

“…A critical factor for engraftment efficacy is tissue ischemia and cryopreservation of tumor samples prior to engraftment that impair viability and thus PDX formation [ 33 – 37 ]. Tissue ischemia has been controlled by pathological diagnostics, processing, and viable freezing within 120 min.…”