CAL-120 Xenograft Model Service for Breast Cancer

The CAL-120 xenograft model provides a powerful in vivo platform for studying triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by aggressive growth and limited treatment options, thereby enabling the evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies. At Alfa Cytology, we specialize in the establishment and utilization of highly validated CAL-120 xenograft models, offering comprehensive services that range from preclinical study design to precise, data-driven analysis to accelerate your drug discovery pipeline.

Overview of CAL-120 Xenograft Model for Breast Cancer

The CAL-120 cell line is derived from a metastatic human breast cancer, specifically representing the demanding basal-like, triple-negative subtype (ER-, PR-, HER2-). TNBC is a highly heterogeneous disease known for its high recurrence rates, aggressive clinical course, and resistance to standard chemotherapy. This makes reliable preclinical models absolutely essential for identifying effective novel therapies.

The CAL-120 xenograft model reliably recapitulates the aggressive characteristics of clinical TNBC. It exhibits robust and reproducible tumor take rates when implanted in vivo in immunocompromised mice, typically forming poorly differentiated carcinomas. This model maintains key genotypic and phenotypic features of the original patient tumor over successive passages. It is extensively used to evaluate a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, including conventional cytotoxic drugs, targeted agents (e.g., kinase inhibitors), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and immunotherapies.

Fig 1. Basal B breast cancer cell lines CAL-120 and MDA-MB-231 showed mesenchymal phenotype and increased invasiveness versus MDA-MB-468 basal A cells exhibiting an epithelial phenotype. (Skov N, et al., 2022)

Cell Line Information: CAL-120

Our CAL-120 cell line is sourced from an authentic repository and undergoes meticulous characterization and verification. The cells display typical epithelial morphology and a stable, hyperdiploid karyotype.

Alfa Cytology is committed to providing a reliable source of high-quality preclinical data using the CAL-120 xenograft model. Our integrated approach spans initial consultation and bespoke study design, precise in vivo execution by experienced specialists, and flexible endpoints that can include pharmacokinetic (PK) profiling, biomarker analysis, and high-fidelity histological or imaging readouts.

Our Services

Workflow of CAL-120 Xenograft Model Construction

• Cell Expansion: CAL-120 cells are expanded in vitro using validated protocols, ensuring optimal growth phase and phenotype maintenance.
• Host Conditioning: Immunocompromised mouse strains (e.g., Nude, SCID, NSG) are acclimatized and prepared.
• Standardized Inoculation: A calibrated suspension of CAL-120 cells is inoculated in vivo, typically either subcutaneously into the flank or orthotopically into the mammary fat pad, to promote localized tumor growth.
• Longitudinal Monitoring: Animal health, body weight, and tumor volume are monitored systematically on a regular schedule.
• Grouping & Dosing: Animals are randomized into treatment cohorts once tumors reach a defined volume, and study compounds are administered according to the custom-designed regimen.

Fig 2. CAL-120 Xenograft Model Construction Workflow

Case Study - CAL-120 Xenograft Model Development

In a recently completed study, Alfa Cytology successfully established the CAL-120 xenograft model to evaluate a novel PARP inhibitor as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy. We achieved a 100% tumor take rate and highly predictable, robust growth kinetics. The model demonstrated a profound, dose-dependent sensitivity to the combination therapy, resulting in substantial TGI (Tumor Growth Inhibition) with minimal impact on body weight.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?

• TNBC Expertise: Specialized knowledge in modeling aggressive triple-negative breast cancer subtypes.
• Biological Validity: Fully characterized and validated CAL-120 models that faithfully mimic clinical disease.
• High-Quality Data: Rigorous QC ensures reproducible, publication-ready in vivo data.
• Translational Readouts: Full suite of PK, biomarker, and imaging analyses to meet complex requirements.

Contact Us

Contact us today to speak with an oncology scientist about your TNBC research goals and how our specialized CAL-120 xenograft model services can accelerate your drug discovery and development program. Please reach out to us for a consultation or a detailed project proposal.

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