HT-1197 Xenograft Model Service for Bladder Cancer

The HT-1197 xenograft model offers a robust, clinically relevant platform for evaluating novel therapeutic strategies against aggressive bladder carcinoma. Alfa Cytology leverages this extensively characterized cell line to deliver dependable, high-quality preclinical xenograft services that accelerate your oncology pipeline from candidate validation to IND-enabling studies.
Overview of HT-1197 Xenograft Model for Bladder Cancer
The HT-1197 cell line was originally derived from a grade 4 transitional cell carcinoma (urothelial carcinoma) of the bladder in a 44-year-old Caucasian male patient who had not received prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It is one of the most extensively molecularly characterized bladder cancer cell lines available, having been profiled across all five major cancer cell line panels including CCLE, UBC-40, GDSC, TCPA, and BLA-40. HT-1197 exhibits an aggressive basal-squamous molecular subtype, harbors activating mutations in NRAS and PIK3CA, and demonstrates high invasiveness, rapid proliferation, and robust tumorigenicity in immunodeficient mice and hamsters. These characteristics make it an ideal surrogate for modeling high-grade muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in preclinical settings.
In xenograft applications, HT-1197 forms reproducible subcutaneous tumors that exhibit dose-dependent responses to established chemotherapeutics and targeted agents, as demonstrated in published pharmacological studies. The model has been employed to evaluate FGFR inhibitor sensitivity, EZH2 synthetic lethality in ARID1A-mutant contexts, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity mediated by B7-H3-targeting biologics. Its well-documented genomic landscape---characterized by mutations in TP53, TERT, PIK3CA, and ERBB2---provides researchers with a predictable framework for mechanism-of-action studies and biomarker-driven drug development.
Figure 1. Mutations of bladder cancer cell line HT-1197. (Sandberg M, et al., 2025)
Cell Line Information: HT-1197
The following table summarizes the essential characteristics, culture requirements, and molecular profile of the HT-1197 cell line for reference in experimental design and quality control.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Cell Line Name |
HT-1197 (also designated HT 1197.T) |
| Species |
Homo sapiens (Human) |
| Tissue of Origin |
Urinary bladder / Urothelium |
| Disease |
Bladder carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma) |
| Tumor Grade |
Grade 4 (G4) |
| Tumor Stage |
pT2 or higher (>=T2, muscle-invasive) |
| Patient Demographics |
44-year-old Caucasian male; no prior chemotherapy or radiation |
| Growth Mode |
Adherent |
| Biosafety Level |
BSL-1 |
| Culture Medium |
EMEM (EBSS) + 2 mM Glutamine + 1% Non-Essential Amino Acids (NEAA) + 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) |
| Culture Conditions |
37 degrees C, 5% CO2, humidified incubator |
| Subculture Routine |
Split sub-confluent cultures (70-80%) 1:2 to 1:6 using 0.25% trypsin or trypsin/EDTA; seed at 2x10^4--5x10^4 cells/cm^2 |
| Tumorigenicity |
Tumorigenic in immunodeficient mice and hamsters; grows in soft agar |
| Molecular Subtype |
Basal-squamous |
| Key Mutations |
NRAS, PIK3CA, ARID1A, TP53, TERT, ERBB2 |
| STR Profile |
Amelogenin: X,Y; CSF1PO: 11,12; D5S818: 12; D7S820: 11,12; D13S317: 11,12; D16S539: 12,13; TH01: 6,9.3; TPOX: 11,12; vWA: 16,18 |
| Applications |
Drug screening, mechanism-of-action studies, biomarker validation, antibody efficacy testing, synthetic lethality research |
Our Services
At Alfa Cytology, we provide end-to-end HT-1197 xenograft model services tailored to your preclinical research objectives. Our integrated platform encompasses cell line authentication, tumor implantation, randomized group allocation, dosing regimen design, longitudinal tumor monitoring, necropsy and tissue collection, histopathological analysis, and comprehensive data reporting. By combining rigorous quality control with flexible study customization, we ensure that every project generates reliable, publication-ready data to support your therapeutic development decisions.
Workflow of HT-1197 Xenograft Model Construction
Construction of the HT-1197 xenograft model follows a standardized, GLP-compliant workflow designed to maximize tumor take rates, minimize inter-animal variability, and ensure ethical compliance. Each phase is executed under strict pathogen-free conditions with documented chain-of-custody for all biological materials.
- Cell Line Preparation & Authentication: HT-1197 cells are revived from authenticated master stocks and expanded under specified culture conditions. Short tandem repeat (STR) profiling and mycoplasma testing are performed prior to inoculation to confirm identity and sterility.
- Animal Model Selection & Acclimation: Immunodeficient mice (typically BALB/c nude or NOD-SCID, 4--6 weeks old) are acclimated for 5--7 days under controlled environmental conditions. Health status is verified by veterinary assessment before enrollment.
- Tumor Cell Inoculation: A suspension of 5x10^6 viable HT-1197 cells in a 1:1 mixture of serum-free medium and Matrigel is prepared. Cells are injected subcutaneously into the right flank using a 25-gauge needle under aseptic technique.
- Tumor Monitoring & Randomization: Animals are monitored daily for general health. Tumor dimensions are measured by digital caliper every 3--4 days once palpable tumors appear. Mice are randomized into treatment groups when mean tumor volume reaches 100--150 mm^3.
- Treatment Administration & Observation: Test compounds are administered according to the predefined schedule (e.g., intraperitoneal, intravenous, or oral gavage). Body weights, tumor volumes, and clinical signs are recorded systematically throughout the study duration.
- Endpoint Assessment & Tissue Harvest: At study termination, tumors are excised, weighed, and photographed. Blood, plasma, and major organs are collected for pharmacokinetic, toxicological, and biomarker analyses. Tumor tissues are preserved in formalin for histopathology and snap-frozen for molecular studies.
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Tumor growth inhibition (TGI), tumor growth delay (TGD), and statistical significance are calculated. A comprehensive study report including methodology, raw data, statistical outputs, and representative images is delivered to the sponsor.
Figure 2. HT-1197 xenograft model construction workflow.
Case Study-HT-1197 Xenograft Model Development
In a representative engagement, Alfa Cytology established subcutaneous HT-1197 xenografts in immunodeficient mice to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of a novel targeted therapeutic candidate. Following successful tumor engraftment and randomized group allocation, animals received the investigational compound or vehicle control according to a multi-dose regimen. Longitudinal monitoring demonstrated measurable differences in tumor growth dynamics between treatment and control cohorts, with corresponding histopathological and biomarker correlates. Detailed quantitative results---including tumor volume curves, body weight trajectories, and pharmacodynamic endpoints---are available upon formal inquiry and can be customized to align with your specific program requirements.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?
Partnering with Alfa Cytology for your HT-1197 xenograft studies means gaining access to a scientifically rigorous, operationally efficient CRO dedicated exclusively to preclinical oncology research. Our differentiated capabilities are designed to de-risk your development pipeline and accelerate decision-making.
- Extensive molecular characterization of HT-1197 ensures study designs are grounded in published, reproducible biology.
- All cell stocks are STR-authenticated and mycoplasma-negative, guaranteeing model fidelity from day one.
- Customizable study designs accommodate diverse dosing routes, schedules, and combination regimens.
- Real-time tumor monitoring and digital data capture provide transparent, audit-ready study progress.
- Integrated histopathology, IHC, and biomarker analysis services generate mechanistic insights alongside efficacy data.
- Dedicated project management ensures responsive communication, milestone adherence, and on-time delivery.
- Competitive pricing and flexible milestone-based contracts align with early-stage biotech budget realities.
Contact Us
Ready to advance your bladder cancer therapeutic program with a validated HT-1197 xenograft model? Contact us today to discuss your study objectives, timeline, and budget. Our scientific team is standing by to help you design a preclinical strategy that delivers actionable, high-confidence data. Please reach out to us today via our inquiry form or email to learn more about our HT-1197 Xenograft Model services.
Reference
- Sandberg, Maxwell, et al. "Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy alters the genomic profile of bladder cancer cell line HT-1197." Journal of Personalized Medicine 15.4 (2025): 143.
For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.