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.
Fig. 1 PDX/PDC model establishment and drug screening workflow. (Source: Alfa Cytology)
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
|
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 |
| 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 |
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:
Molecular Diversity
The biobank encompasses a broad range of molecular backgrounds to support diverse therapeutic research needs:
Fidelity Validation
All models have been rigorously validated through histopathological comparison:
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.
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+ |
|
| EC10 | 67 yrs, Recurrent, Stage IA | MLH1 methylation+, ER focally+ (5%), PR− |
|
| EC38 | 56 yrs, Dedifferentiated, G3, Stage II | dMMR (MLH1/PMS2 loss), p53 WT, HER2 0 |
|
| EC2 | 68 yrs, Mixed (70% serous + 30% endometrioid), G3, Stage IB | ER+/PR+, p53 null, p16 strong+ |
|
| EC5 | 74 yrs, Recurrent with metastasis to colon | dMMR (MLH1/PMS2 loss), ER+/PR+, p53 WT |
|
| EC8 | 73 yrs, Serous carcinoma, Stage IA | p53 overexpression, p16 strong+, ER/PR patchy+ |
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| EC21 | 69 yrs, Carcinosarcoma, Stage III | p53 mutant, pMMR, PAX8+ |
|
| EC33 | 75 yrs, Serous carcinoma, G3, Stage IVA | HER2 2+ (FISH−), p53 missense mutation |
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Additional models are available upon request. Please contact us for a complete model list or to discuss your specific research needs.
Based on your research objectives, models can be selected according to the following criteria:
![]() Immunotherapy
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![]() Targeted Therapy
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![]() Hormonal Therapy
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![]() Resistance Mechanism Studies
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![]() Subtype-Specific Studies
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![]() Combination Therapy Studies
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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.

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.