BFTC-905 Xenograft Model Service for Bladder Cancer

The BFTC-905 xenograft model offers a robust, clinically relevant platform for preclinical evaluation of bladder cancer therapeutics, faithfully recapitulating the histopathological and molecular features of human transitional cell carcinoma in an in vivo setting. At Alfa Cytology, we specialize in constructing and validating high-fidelity BFTC-905 xenograft models, providing integrated preclinical services that span from tumor implantation and longitudinal monitoring to endpoint histopathological analysis---enabling you to accelerate candidate screening with confidence.
Overview of BFTC-905 Xenograft Model for Bladder Cancer
The BFTC-905 cell line was originally established in 1990 from a 51-year-old female patient diagnosed with grade III papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in a Blackfoot disease-endemic region of Taiwan. As an epithelioid, adherent cell line with a hyperdiploid to hypotriploid karyotype, BFTC-905 exhibits characteristic E-cadherin expression and forms large islet-like colonies in monolayer culture, making it a well-characterized surrogate for studying bladder cancer biology. Its documented NRAS and TP53 mutation profile further aligns it with the genomic landscape frequently observed in human bladder carcinomas, enhancing its translational relevance for drug development programs.
When propagated as a subcutaneous or orthotopic xenograft in immunodeficient murine hosts, BFTC-905 reliably forms solid tumors that retain histological features consistent with the parental papillary phenotype. This model supports standardized tumor growth kinetics, enabling reproducible efficacy readouts for chemotherapeutic agents, targeted small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates, and immuno-oncology combinations. The BFTC-905 xenograft thus serves as a cornerstone preclinical tool for benchmarking therapeutic responses and exploring resistance mechanisms in bladder cancer research.
Figure 1. Effects of flaccidoxide on the growth of BFTC-905 and T24 bladder cancer cells. (Wong, B.S., et al., 2021)
Cell Line Information: BFTC-905
The following table summarizes the key biological, culture, and genetic characteristics of the BFTC-905 cell line as cataloged by the DSMZ (ACC-361) and cross-referenced with the Cellosaurus database (CVCL_1083).
| Feature |
Specification |
| Cell Line Name |
BFTC-905 |
| Synonyms |
BFTC 905; BFTC905; Black Foot disease Transitional Carcinoma 905 |
| DSMZ Accession |
ACC-361 |
| Cellosaurus ID |
CVCL_1083 |
| Species |
Homo sapiens (Human) |
| Sex of Donor |
Female |
| Age at Sampling |
51 years |
| Tissue of Origin |
Urinary bladder |
| Disease |
Urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma (Grade III papillary) |
| Cell Type |
Epithelial |
| Morphology |
Epithelioid cells growing adherently in monolayers, forming large islets |
| Growth Mode |
Adherent |
| Doubling Time |
Approximately 60-70 hours |
| Biosafety Level |
1 |
| Culture Medium |
DMEM supplemented with 10-20% heat-inactivated FBS |
| Incubation Conditions |
37 degrees C, 10% CO2 (DSMZ); or 5% CO2 (alternative protocols) |
| Subculture Ratio |
1:3 to 1:5, once or twice weekly |
| Cryopreservation Medium |
70% medium + 20% FBS + 10% DMSO |
| Mycoplasma Status |
Negative (DAPI, culture, RNA hybridization, PCR) |
| STR Authentication |
Authenticated per ANSI/ATCC ASN-0002.1-2021 standard |
| Karyotype |
Hyperdiploid/hypotriploid; 58(52-61)<3n>X/XX-X with characteristic i(5p) and loss of 9p associated with transitional cell carcinoma |
| Key Mutations |
NRAS p.Gln61Leu (heterozygous); TP53 c.673-2A>T splice acceptor mutation (homozygous) |
| Immunophenotype |
Cytokeratin +, CK-7 +, CK-8 +, CK-17 +, CK-18 +, CK-19 +, EpCAM +, Vimentin (+); Desmin -, Endothel -, GFAP -, Neurofilament - |
| Research Applications |
Bladder cancer biology, drug screening, xenograft model development, progression series studies |
Our Services
Alfa Cytology is a dedicated preclinical CRO with deep expertise in oncology model development and characterization. Our BFTC-905 xenograft service is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of tumor biologists, veterinary pathologists, and study directors who ensure every model is constructed under rigorous quality standards---from cell line authentication and mycoplasma clearance to in vivo growth validation and comprehensive endpoint analysis. Whether your program requires a standard subcutaneous implant or a customized orthotopic or patient-derived xenograft (PDX) integration, we tailor the model architecture to your therapeutic hypothesis and regulatory milestones.
Workflow of BFTC-905 Xenograft Model Construction
Our standardized workflow for BFTC-905 xenograft construction is designed to maximize tumor take rates, ensure growth consistency, and deliver pharmacologically relevant data. Each phase is executed under GLP-compliant documentation and IACUC-approved protocols, with built-in quality checkpoints to safeguard data integrity.
- Cell Line Resuscitation & Expansion: BFTC-905 vials are thawed under controlled conditions and expanded in antibiotic-free complete medium. Cells undergo mycoplasma PCR verification and STR authentication against the reference profile prior to inoculation.
- Host Selection & Acclimatization: Immunodeficient mice (e.g., NOD-SCID or nude) are acclimatized for a minimum of five days. Body weight and baseline health status are recorded to establish pre-study eligibility criteria.
- Tumor Cell Preparation: Log-phase BFTC-905 cells are harvested by trypsinization, washed in sterile PBS, and resuspended at a predetermined concentration in a 1:1 mixture of PBS and Matrigel or basement membrane matrix to enhance engraftment.
- Xenograft Implantation: A defined cell inoculum (typically 1-5 x 10^6 cells in 100-200 uL) is injected subcutaneously into the flank or orthotopically into the bladder wall, depending on the study design. Injection sites are monitored for leakage and immediate adverse reactions.
- Tumor Monitoring & Randomization: Tumor dimensions are measured by digital caliper twice weekly. Once tumors reach a palpable volume (typically 80-150 mm^3), animals are randomized into treatment and vehicle-control cohorts to minimize inter-group bias.
- Treatment Administration & Longitudinal Assessment: Test articles are administered via the specified route (oral gavage, intraperitoneal, or intravenous) according to the study protocol. Body weight, tumor volume, and clinical observations are recorded throughout the dosing period.
- Endpoint Analysis & Sample Collection: At study termination, tumors are excised, weighed, and processed for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) histology, frozen tissue banking, or molecular profiling. Blood and organ samples are collected for toxicology and pharmacokinetic correlation.
Figure 2. BFTC-905 xenograft model construction workflow.
Case Study-BFTC-905 Xenograft Model Development
In a representative internal qualification study, BFTC-905 cells were engrafted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice to evaluate baseline tumor growth kinetics and establish a reference dataset for subsequent compound efficacy trials. The model demonstrated consistent tumor take rates and predictable exponential growth profiles across multiple independent cohorts, with endpoint histology confirming preservation of papillary transitional cell carcinoma morphology. Detailed quantitative data---including tumor growth inhibition metrics, survival curves, and biomarker expression panels---are maintained under strict confidentiality protocols. Interested partners are invited to contact our scientific team to request a customized data disclosure aligned with their specific program requirements.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?
Selecting the right CRO partner for your bladder cancer preclinical program can significantly impact the quality, speed, and regulatory defensibility of your data package. Alfa Cytology offers a purpose-built service ecosystem around the BFTC-905 xenograft model that combines scientific rigor with operational flexibility.
- Authenticated, mycoplasma-free cell banks with documented STR profiles and genetic characterization to ensure model fidelity.
- Customizable study designs encompassing subcutaneous, orthotopic, and metastatic model configurations tailored to your therapeutic modality.
- Integrated in vivo imaging capabilities (bioluminescence, MRI, ultrasound) for real-time tumor monitoring without sacrificing animals.
- GLP-compliant data collection, statistical analysis, and comprehensive study reports suitable for IND-enabling and regulatory submissions.
- Dedicated project management with rapid study initiation timelines and transparent milestone-based communication.
- Competitive pricing structures with flexible milestone payments, designed to support both emerging biotechs and established pharmaceutical pipelines.
Contact Us
Ready to advance your bladder cancer therapeutic pipeline with a validated BFTC-905 xenograft model? Reach out to our preclinical services team today to discuss your study objectives, receive a tailored proposal, and explore how Alfa Cytology can accelerate your path from candidate selection to IND readiness. We look forward to partnering with you on your next breakthrough. Please reach out to us today via our inquiry form or email to learn more about our BFTC-905 Xenograft Model services.
Reference
- Wong, Bing-Sang, et al. "Flaccidoxide induces apoptosis through down-regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K signaling in human bladder cancer cells." Anticancer Research 41.12 (2021): 6123-6133.
For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.