Alfa Cytology - Cancer Drug R&D Services

Endometrial Cancer PDX Model

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Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models are established by implanting fresh patient tumor tissues directly into immunodeficient NSG mice. Unlike conventional cell lines that have undergone long-term in vitro culture, PDX models preserve the three-dimensional architecture, cell-cell interactions, mutational profiles, and molecular heterogeneity of the original tumors, enabling a faithful recapitulation of tumor biology in an in vivo setting.

Alfa Cytology has established a comprehensive PDX model biobank encompassing the full spectrum of endometrial cancer, comprising 53 PDX models derived from 106 clinically annotated patient tissues and covering 9 histological subtypes, including recurrent and metastatic cases. Each model retains the histological architecture, genetic mutations, and molecular features of the original tumor, as validated by histopathological characterization, and is accompanied by complete patient clinical data—providing a robust and translationally relevant platform for preclinical drug evaluation, biomarker discovery, and personalized therapy development.

From Patient Tissue to Drug Discovery - Our PDX Model Platform

  • 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 Endometrial Cancer PDX ModelFig. 1 PDX/PDC model establishment and drug screening workflow. (Source: Alfa Cytology)

PDX Model Core Data

Parameter Data
  • Total Models
  • Subtypes Covered
  • Patient Age Range
  • FIGO Stages
  • Molecular Diversity
  • Recurrent/Metastatic Models
53
6 (Endometrioid, Serous, Squamous, Undifferentiated/Dedifferentiated, Carcinosarcoma, Clear Cell)
24–90 years
I–IV
dMMR/pMMR, p53 WT/mut, ER/PR+/−, HER2+/−
4 recurrent + 9 metastatic

PDX Model Biobank Summary Table

Subtype Total PDX Stage Distribution MMR Status p53 Status ER/PR Status Recurrent/Metastatic Matched PDC
Endometrioid 38 IA/IB/II/III/IV dMMR (15) / pMMR (23) WT (30) / Mut (8) ER+/PR+ (32) / Other (6) Recurrent (2) / Metastatic (5) 9
Serous 7 I/II/III/IV All pMMR Mut (6) / WT (1) ER−/PR− (5) / Partially positive (2) Metastatic (2) 1
Dedifferentiated 2 III/IV dMMR (1) / pMMR (1) WT (2) Double-negative (1) / Double-positive (1) Metastatic (1) 2
Carcinosarcoma 3 III All pMMR Mut (3) ER−/PR− (3) 0 1
Squamous 2 I/II pMMR WT (2) ER+/PR+ (2) 0 1
Clear Cell 1 IV pMMR WT ER−/PR− Metastatic (1) 0
Total 53 Recurrent 4 / Metastatic 9 14

Model Features

Each PDX model is extensively characterized with comprehensive clinical annotation, broad molecular diversity, and rigorous histopathological validation to ensure clinical relevance and experimental reproducibility.

Comprehensive Clinical Annotation

Each PDX model is accompanied by complete patient clinical data, including:

  • Demographics (age, BMI)
  • Diagnostic information (histological subtype, FIGO grade, stage)
  • Molecular marker profiles (ER/PR/p53/MMR/HER2)
  • Detailed treatment history
  • Clinical outcomes (recurrence, metastasis, survival)

Molecular Diversity

The biobank encompasses a broad range of molecular backgrounds to support diverse therapeutic research needs:

  • MMR-deficient (dMMR) and MMR-proficient (pMMR)
  • p53 wild-type and mutant
  • ER/PR-positive and -negative
  • HER2-positive and -negative

Fidelity Validation

All models have been rigorously validated through histopathological comparison:

  • H&E staining against original patient tumors
  • IHC validation of key molecular markers
  • Confirmation of genetic stability throughout passaging

Application Capabilities

Our PDX models support a broad spectrum of preclinical applications to accelerate your oncology drug development programs:

Pharmacodynamic Assessment

Evaluate anti-tumor efficacy of drug candidates with quantifiable endpoints, including tumor growth inhibition (TGI), regression rates, and survival analysis.

Combination Therapy Optimization

Screen rational drug combinations (chemotherapy + immunotherapy, hormonal agents + HDAC inhibitors) to identify synergistic or additive effects.

Immunotherapy Efficacy Profiling

Test immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1/PD-L1) in dMMR and pMMR models to assess response rates and identify biomarkers of sensitivity or resistance.

Resistance Mechanism Investigation

Study acquired resistance using recurrent and metastatic models through longitudinal sampling, genomic analysis, and pathway interrogation.

Translational Biomarker Discovery

Correlate molecular profiles (mutational status, IHC markers, gene expression signatures) with drug response data to develop predictive biomarkers for patient stratification.

Precision Medicine Platform

Guide therapeutic decision-making by integrating molecular subtyping, pharmacodynamic data, and patient-derived model platforms for individualized treatment strategies.

Representative PDX Model Cases

The following representative models have been utilized in preclinical studies, demonstrating the diversity and research applicability of our model biobank.

Model ID Patient Characteristics Key Molecular Features Research Applications
EC6 73 yrs, Dedifferentiated, G3, Stage IIIB dMMR (MLH1/PMS2 loss), p53 WT, ER/PR patchy+, MLH1 methylation+
  • Post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy model
  • HDAC inhibitor + hormone combination therapy
  • Immunotherapy evaluation
EC10 67 yrs, Recurrent, Stage IA MLH1 methylation+, ER focally+ (5%), PR−
  • Recurrent disease model
  • Hormone resistance mechanism studies
EC38 56 yrs, Dedifferentiated, G3, Stage II dMMR (MLH1/PMS2 loss), p53 WT, HER2 0
  • HDAC inhibitor + hormone combination therapy (Romidepsin + NETE)
EC2 68 yrs, Mixed (70% serous + 30% endometrioid), G3, Stage IB ER+/PR+, p53 null, p16 strong+
  • Mixed subtype high-grade carcinoma studies
EC5 74 yrs, Recurrent with metastasis to colon dMMR (MLH1/PMS2 loss), ER+/PR+, p53 WT
  • Recurrent/metastatic model
  • Immunotherapy research
EC8 73 yrs, Serous carcinoma, Stage IA p53 overexpression, p16 strong+, ER/PR patchy+
  • Serous carcinoma targeted therapy studies
EC21 69 yrs, Carcinosarcoma, Stage III p53 mutant, pMMR, PAX8+
  • Rare carcinosarcoma subtype studies
EC33 75 yrs, Serous carcinoma, G3, Stage IVA HER2 2+ (FISH−), p53 missense mutation
  • HER2-targeted combination therapy studies

Additional models are available upon request. Please contact us for a complete model list or to discuss your specific research needs.

Model Selection Guide

Based on your research objectives, models can be selected according to the following criteria:


Immunotherapy
  • Recommended Features: dMMR, MSI-H
  • dMMR models are highly sensitive to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, making them an ideal choice for immunotherapy evaluation.

Targeted Therapy
  • Recommended Features: p53 mutation, HER2-positive
  • Suitable for efficacy assessment of targeted agents or DNA-damaging drugs.

Hormonal Therapy
  • Recommended Features: ER/PR-positive
  • ER/PR-positive models are applicable for hormonal therapy sensitivity studies.

Resistance Mechanism Studies
  • Recommended Features: Recurrent, metastatic, treatment-experienced
  • Recurrent/metastatic models and those with treatment history are suitable for exploring resistance mechanisms.

Subtype-Specific Studies
  • Recommended Features: Selection by histological subtype
  • Endometrioid, serous, dedifferentiated, carcinosarcoma, and other subtypes for subtype-specific research.

Combination Therapy Studies
  • Recommended Features: dMMR, ER/PR-positive, recurrent/metastatic
  • Suitable for evaluating combination strategies, including chemo-immunotherapy, hormone-HDAC inhibitor regimens, and other rational drug combinations.

Our scientific team is available to recommend the most appropriate models based on your specific research objectives. Please feel free to contact us for a personalized consultation.

Accelerate Your Endometrial Cancer Drug Development

From model establishment to preclinical validation, Alfa Cytology provides PDX model resources with comprehensive molecular characterization and pharmacodynamic validation. Our model biobank encompasses the full spectrum of endometrial cancer, supporting the entire drug development continuum—from target validation and efficacy evaluation to combination strategy exploration. Whether you are screening novel drug candidates, investigating immunotherapeutic approaches, or advancing toward clinical trials, our scientific team is ready to provide expert support tailored to your needs. Please don't hesitate to contact us to request a complete model list or to discuss a customized study plan.

For research use only.

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