Endometrial Cancer PDC Model

Alfa Cytology has established a comprehensive patient-derived model platform for endometrial cancer research. From 112 clinically annotated patient tissues, we have generated 52 PDX models (51% engraftment success rate) and further established 14 novel PDC models from matched PDX tumors, covering 5 endometrial cancer subtypes.

PDC models retain the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the original tumors and are cryopreserved at early passages to maximize fidelity. They can be stably expanded in both 2D monolayer and 3D (spheroid/organoid) culture systems, supporting high-throughput drug screening, mechanistic studies, and translational research.

From Patient Tissue to Drug Discovery - Our PDC Model Platform

Leveraging this platform, we have performed unbiased screening of 179 FDA-approved oncology drugs to identify effective therapeutic candidates across diverse molecular subtypes. In parallel, we conduct hypothesis-driven efficacy testing based on molecular characteristics—including MMR status, p53 mutation, ER/PR expression, and HER2 status—to evaluate drug activity in a clinically relevant context.

• Collected 112 patient tissues.
• Implanted into NSG mice, generated 52 PDX models. Successful rate is about 51%.
• Establish 14 novel PDC models.
• Unbiased Screening: from 179 FDA-approved oncology drugs.
• Hypothesis driven test: based on molecular characteristics to determine drug activity.

Fig. 1 PDX/PDC model establishment and drug screening workflow. (Source: Alfa Cytology)

PDC Model Core Data

Culture Systems

Alfa Cytology offers versatile culture systems for PDC models, including 2D monolayer, 3D spheroid, and 3D organoid cultures, to support a broad range of research applications from high-throughput screening to personalized medicine.

Available Functional Assays

A comprehensive suite of assays is available to evaluate drug efficacy and mechanisms using our PDC models.

Application Capabilities

Our PDC models support a broad spectrum of research applications—from high‑throughput drug screening and pharmacodynamic profiling to mechanistic studies and translational validation—providing a seamless bridge between in vitro discovery and in vivo evaluation.

High-Throughput Drug Screening Rapid screening of 179 FDA-approved drugs and custom compound libraries		Drug Sensitivity Profiling Characterization of differential responses to standard-of-care and novel agents across PDC models		Mechanistic Studies Investigation of drug mechanisms of action and resistance pathways
In Vitro Efficacy Validation Rapid assessment of anti-tumor activity of candidate compounds			Translational Bridge Seamless transition from in vitro discovery to in vivo PDX validation

Case Study - Unbiased Drug Screening and Candidate Discovery Using the PDC Platform

A panel of 179 FDA-approved oncology drugs was screened in an unbiased manner using our PDC platform, aiming to identify lead candidates with broad-spectrum activity across diverse molecular subtypes, independent of their original indications, and to support drug repurposing and personalized therapeutic strategies.

Part I: Candidate Discovery – High-Throughput Unbiased Screening

PDC cells were cultured in 96-well plates and treated with 179 FDA-approved oncology drugs at a concentration of 1 μM for 72 hours. Cell viability was assessed using Resazurin staining.

Results:

In the unbiased screening, distinct PDC models exhibited heterogeneous response profiles to the same set of compounds. Notably, PDC4 and PDC10 were highly sensitive to paclitaxel, whereas most models showed limited sensitivity to the standard-of-care chemotherapeutic agent carboplatin. Among these differential responses, idarubicin emerged as the lead candidate with the most potent broad-spectrum anti-tumor activity.

Fig. 2 Unbiased FDA drug screening results. Data are presented as mean ± standard error (SEM). (Source: Alfa Cytology)

Part II: Candidate Confirmation – In Vitro and In Vivo Validation and Mechanistic Characterization

To further confirm the anti-tumor potential of idarubicin and elucidate its mechanism of action, comprehensive in vitro and in vivo pharmacodynamic evaluations and mechanistic studies were performed.

Results:

• In vitro: Idarubicin at 1 μM significantly inhibited the proliferation of all PDC models tested.
• In vivo: Idarubicin at 0.5 mg/kg (i.p.) significantly suppressed tumor growth in the PDX-EC6 model.
• Mechanism of action (MOA): Idarubicin treatment induced PARP cleavage (116 & 89 kDa), upregulated p53 (53 kDa) and p21 (21 kDa) expression, and downregulated survivin levels, indicating activation of the apoptotic pathway.

Fig. 3 In vitro and in vivo efficacy validation of idarubicin. Data are presented as mean ± standard error (SEM). (Source: Alfa Cytology)

Fig. 4 Mechanistic characterization of idarubicin. (Source: Alfa Cytology)

Accelerate Your Endometrial Cancer Drug Development

From in vitro screening to in vivo validation, Alfa Cytology provides comprehensively characterized PDC models to support full-spectrum drug evaluation—spanning high-throughput screening, functional assays, and mechanistic studies. Whether you are exploring novel drug candidates, deciphering resistance mechanisms, or evaluating combination strategies, our PDC platform delivers reliable in vitro data to accelerate the translational journey from bench to bedside. Please don't hesitate to contact us to request a complete PDC model list or to design a customized screening program tailored to your needs.

For research use only.