CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc Orthotopic Mouse Model Service for Pancreas Cancer

The CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc orthotopic mouse model enables pancreatic tumors to develop in the anatomically correct site with a strong propensity for liver and lung metastasis, faithfully mirroring the metastatic behavior of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Alfa Cytology is a preclinical oncology CRO with strong capabilities in orthotopic pancreas cancer modeling. Alfa Cytology delivers complete CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc orthotopic model services, from authenticated cell expansion and luciferase reporter verification through surgical implantation, longitudinal in vivo imaging, and exhaustive endpoint characterization.

Overview of CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc Orthotopic Mouse Model for Pancreas Cancer

CFPAC-1 is a human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line with a remarkable provenance: it was derived from a liver metastasis of a 26-year-old man with cystic fibrosis, a condition associated with chronic pancreatitis and an elevated risk of pancreatic cancer. The line carries the characteristic ΔF508 mutation in the CFTR gene and displays ion transport abnormalities consistent with the cystic fibrosis defect, while showing polarized epithelial morphology with apical microvilli, tight junctions, and expression of ductal markers such as cytokeratins, CA19-9, and CEA. Genetically, CFPAC-1 harbors a KRAS^G12V mutation, a TP53^R242H mutation, and homozygous deletion of SMAD4, with CDKN2A/p16 silenced by promoter methylation — a mutational constellation closely matching the driver landscape of human PDAC.

Fig 1. An orthotopic CFPAC-1-Luc PDAC xenograft model was established via pancreatic implantation, followed by intravenous DKK1-A2 CAR-T (mC2/hC2) infusion. BLI showed marked tumor burden reduction, prolonged survival, and no body-weight loss. Immune memory was assessed by contralateral rechallenge in a parallel subcutaneous model. The humanized hC2 variant showed comparable efficacy and safety. (Zhang, Yufei, et al., 2026)

Orthotopic implantation of CFPAC-1 cells into the pancreatic parenchyma of immunodeficient mice produces primary tumors that invade locally and metastasize to the liver, lung, and lymph nodes, reproducing the organ-specific spread pattern of the human disease far better than subcutaneous xenografts. The luciferase-labeled derivative, CFPAC-1-luc, allows tumor growth and metastatic dissemination to be quantified non-invasively by in vivo bioluminescence imaging, which is particularly valuable for deeply seated pancreatic tumors that cannot be measured accurately by calipers. Together, these features make the CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc orthotopic model a dependable platform for preclinical evaluation of anti-tumor agents, metastasis inhibitors, and combination regimens in pancreatic cancer research.

Cell Line Information: CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc

The essential characteristics of CFPAC-1 and its luciferase-labeled counterpart CFPAC-1-luc are compiled below, based on repository records and the peer-reviewed literature.

Our Services

Alfa Cytology provides end-to-end CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc orthotopic model services built for preclinical pancreatic cancer programs. Our team manages authenticated cell expansion, surgical pancreatic implantation, scheduled in vivo bioluminescence imaging, dosing of test agents, and full endpoint workups including metastatic lesion scoring and histopathology, providing you with dependable, analysis-ready data.

Workflow of CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc Orthotopic Mouse Model Construction

Establishing a CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc orthotopic model pairs careful cell preparation with precise pancreatic surgery and systematic in vivo follow-up. The typical workflow comprises the following stages.

1. Cell authentication and expansion: CFPAC-1 or CFPAC-1-luc cells are expanded in IMDM-based medium, verified by STR profiling and mycoplasma testing, and assessed for viability; luciferase expression in CFPAC-1-luc is confirmed by an in vitro bioluminescence assay.
2. Host preparation: Immunodeficient mice (e.g., BALB/c nude, NOD-SCID, or NSG), typically 4–6 weeks of age, are acclimatized and randomized under an approved animal ethics protocol.
3. Inoculum preparation: Log-phase cells are harvested, counted, and resuspended in sterile PBS or saline at the designated dose (commonly around 1 × 10⁶ cells in 20–50 μL), with viability confirmed immediately before implantation.
4. Orthotopic implantation: Under anesthesia and aseptic conditions, the pancreas is exposed via a small abdominal incision and the cell suspension is injected into the pancreatic parenchyma of the pancreatic tail/body; the injection site is checked for reflux before the abdomen is closed in layers.
5. Post-operative care: Analgesia is administered and animals are monitored through recovery, with body weight and general condition recorded during the post-surgical period.
6. Imaging and monitoring (CFPAC-1-luc): After an initial engraftment period, mice receive intraperitoneal D-luciferin and undergo in vivo bioluminescence imaging at regular intervals to quantify tumor growth and detect early metastatic signals; caliper assessment is impractical for intrapancreatic tumors, making imaging the primary readout.
7. Treatment administration (optional): Once tumors reach predefined imaging thresholds, animals are randomized and dosed with test compounds, biologics, or combination regimens according to the study design.
8. Endpoint analysis: At study termination, necropsy is performed to weigh and measure the primary pancreatic tumor, enumerate macroscopic and microscopic metastatic nodules in liver, lung, and lymph nodes, and collect tissues for H&E and immunohistochemical staining, followed by statistical analysis and a comprehensive final report.

Fig 2. CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc orthotopic mouse model construction workflow.

Case Study-CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc Orthotopic Mouse Model Development

Alfa Cytology has employed the CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc orthotopic platform in various preclinical research engagements, supporting clients with model establishment and reporter verification, longitudinal in vivo efficacy assessment of experimental therapeutics, and detailed endpoint analyses of primary pancreatic tumors and their metastatic spread to liver and lung. Each engagement is structured around the client’s objectives, with flexible readouts and data packages.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?

Alfa Cytology pairs deep orthotopic modeling experience with stringent quality practices to deliver CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc studies you can trust. Principal reasons to collaborate with us include:

• Fully authenticated cell lines with STR profiling, mycoplasma clearance, and validated luciferase expression for the CFPAC-1-luc derivative.
• Precise pancreatic microsurgery performed by experienced operators to achieve consistent engraftment and minimal procedure-related loss.
• Sensitive in vivo bioluminescence workflows that capture tumor growth and early metastasis in deeply seated pancreatic tumors.
• Metastasis-focused endpoint suites, including systematic scoring of liver, lung, and lymph node lesions plus H&E/IHC histopathology.
• Adaptable study designs accommodating single agents, combinations, and diverse dosing routes and schedules.
• Attentive project support with clear timelines and transparent communication from kickoff through final report delivery.

Contact Us

Want to evaluate your therapeutic candidate in a metastatic pancreatic cancer setting? Contact us now to explore how the CFPAC-1 / CFPAC-1-luc orthotopic model can strengthen your preclinical program, or reach out to us for a customized proposal. Alfa Cytology is here to move your pancreas cancer research forward.

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