BT-20 Xenograft Model Service for Breast Cancer

The BT-20 xenograft model serves as a foundational in vivo platform for studying basal-like, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), providing critical insights into aggressive tumor phenotypes and therapeutic resistance. Alfa Cytology offers a comprehensive and validated BT-20 xenograft model service, leveraging our deep oncology expertise to provide high-fidelity data that accelerates the preclinical development of your most promising candidates.

Overview of BT-20 Xenograft Model for Breast Cancer

The BT-20 cell line holds historical and scientific significance as the first human breast cancer cell line ever established (isolated in 1958). As a xenograft model, BT-20 is a prototypical representative of "Basal Type A" triple-negative breast cancer. It lacks the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2, making it a gold-standard model for researchers targeting the most difficult-to-treat clinical subtypes.

The BT-20 model is characterized by its epithelial-like morphology and aggressive growth when implanted into immunocompromised mice. Beyond its triple-negative status, the model is notable for harboring specific genetic alterations, including mutations in the TP53 and PIK3CA genes, as well as a homozygous deletion of the PTEN gene.

Fig 1. Phase contrast images of spheroids grown using the liquid overlay method on Day 4. (Ncube KN, et al., 2023)

Cell Line Information: BT-20

Our Services

Workflow of BT-20 Xenograft Model Construction

The construction of a BT-20 xenograft model at Alfa Cytology is performed with meticulous attention to detail to ensure reproducible growth kinetics:

• Cell Culture Preparation: BT-20 cells are expanded in vitro using validated protocols to maintain their growth potential and genetic markers.
• Host Selection: Immunocompromised mice (such as Athymic Nude or SCID) are selected to provide the necessary environment for human tumor engraftment.
• Inoculation: A precisely calibrated suspension of BT-20 cells is injected subcutaneously into the flank or orthotopically into the mammary fat pad.
• Growth Tracking: Following successful engraftment, tumor volumes and animal health are monitored regularly to establish the baseline growth curve.
• Randomization & Dosing: Once tumors reach the target size, mice are randomized into cohorts for the initiation of therapeutic dosing.

Fig 2. BT-20 Xenograft Model Construction Workflow

Case Study - BT-20 Xenograft Model Development

In a recent validation study, Alfa Cytology utilized the BT-20 model to evaluate a novel small-molecule inhibitor targeting the PI3K pathway. The model demonstrated excellent tumor take rates and predictable growth kinetics across all experimental groups. The study successfully identified significant tumor growth inhibition, which was further confirmed by endpoint histological analysis of signaling markers, providing the sponsor with robust proof-of-concept data for their internal decision-making.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?

• Deep Biological Insight: Expertise in modeling complex TNBC pathways and genetic drivers.
• Standardized Excellence: Strict QC for in vitro preparation and in vivo execution.
• Advanced Analytics: Integrated services including IHC, biomarker analysis, and cytokine profiling.
• Flexible Design: Custom dosing routes and schedules tailored to your specific lead compound.

Contact Us

Are you ready to advance your triple-negative breast cancer research with a high-performance in vivo model? Our scientific experts are available to discuss your specific experimental goals and provide a customized project proposal. Please reach out to us today to explore our full range of services, or contact us directly to request a quote and see how Alfa Cytology can accelerate your oncology pipeline.

For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.