NCI-H508 Xenograft Model Service for Colon Cancer

NCI-H508 Xenograft Model Service for Colon Cancer provides a validated preclinical platform for evaluating therapeutic efficacy against cecum-derived colorectal adenocarcinoma. Alfa Cytology specializes in constructing robust, clinically relevant NCI-H508 xenograft models to accelerate your colon cancer drug development pipeline with reproducible data and expert study design.

Overview of NCI-H508 Xenograft Model for Colon Cancer

The NCI-H508 cell line was established from a metastatic lesion to the abdominal wall of a 55-year-old Caucasian male patient with cecum colorectal adenocarcinoma, following treatment with 5-fluorouracil. As a transit-amplifying (TA) subtype representative, NCI-H508 carries distinctive molecular alterations including BRAF G596R and PIK3CA E545K mutations, with wild-type KRAS and NRAS status. This cell line exhibits epithelial morphology, demonstrates high carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) production (1,709 ng/mL per 10^6 cells per 10 days), and expresses CA19-9 antigen and blood type A antigen. Notably, NCI-H508 has shown differential sensitivity to cetuximab in xenograft studies, with treated tumors showing no recurrence 45 days post-treatment, making it particularly valuable for EGFR-targeted therapy research.

In xenograft applications, NCI-H508 demonstrates consistent tumorigenicity in immunocompromised mice, developing tumors within 21 days at 100% frequency when 10^7 cells are implanted subcutaneously. The cell line exhibits a modal chromosome number of 102 (range 71-131) and contains double minutes (DMs), reflecting its genomic instability. Its classification as a cetuximab-sensitive transit-amplifying (CS-TA) subtype, combined with BRAF mutation and PIK3CA activation, provides a unique model for studying targeted therapy responses beyond KRAS mutation status, particularly for evaluating combination regimens involving MEK inhibitors, pan-ERBB inhibitors, and EGFR-directed agents.

Figure 1. The expression of ADAMTS6 in colon cancer cell lines. (Wang, Yun-Peng, et al., 2020)

Cell Line Information: NCI-H508

The following table summarizes the comprehensive characteristics of the NCI-H508 cell line relevant to xenograft model development:

Our Services

Alfa Cytology leverages the unique molecular profile of NCI-H508 to deliver customized xenograft model services that meet rigorous preclinical standards. Our experienced team ensures consistent tumor establishment, comprehensive endpoint analysis, and seamless integration with your drug development workflow, providing reliable data to support your colon cancer therapeutic programs from lead optimization to IND-enabling studies.

Workflow of NCI-H508 Xenograft Model Construction

The construction of NCI-H508 xenograft models at Alfa Cytology follows a standardized, quality-controlled workflow designed to ensure reproducible tumor growth and reliable pharmacological readouts. Each study is initiated with authenticated cell stocks and executed under stringent animal welfare protocols.

1. Cell Authentication and Expansion --- NCI-H508 cells are revived from authenticated cryopreserved stocks and expanded under optimal culture conditions (RPMI 1640, 10% FBS, 37 degrees C, 5% CO2). Mycoplasma testing and STR profiling are performed to confirm identity prior to inoculation.
2. Cell Harvest and Preparation --- Exponentially growing cells are harvested at optimal confluence, washed, and resuspended in serum-free medium. For enhanced engraftment, cells are mixed with Matrigel at a 1:1 ratio to provide extracellular matrix support.
3. Animal Preparation and Implantation --- Female athymic nude mice (6-8 weeks) are acclimatized and randomized into treatment groups. A cell suspension of 10^7 NCI-H508 cells in 100-150 microL volume is implanted subcutaneously into the right flank under sterile conditions.
4. Tumor Monitoring and Randomization --- Tumors are measured twice weekly using calipers. Upon reaching a mean volume of 100-150 mm^3, mice are randomized into vehicle and treatment cohorts based on tumor size to ensure balanced baseline characteristics.
5. Treatment Administration and Endpoint Analysis --- Test compounds are administered according to the study design (IV, IP, or PO). Tumor volumes and body weights are recorded throughout the study. At endpoint, tumors are excised, weighed, and processed for histological, biomarker, and molecular analyses.

Figure 2: Schematic workflow illustrating the derivation and construction of the NCI-H508 Xenograft Model at Alfa Cytology.

Case Study-NCI-H508 Xenograft Model Development

In a representative NCI-H508 xenograft study, tumors were successfully established in immunocompromised mice with consistent growth kinetics and uniform response patterns to reference therapeutics. The model demonstrated robust tumor growth suitable for evaluating novel anti-cancer agents, with comprehensive data collected on tumor growth inhibition, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, and tolerability profiles. Detailed study results, including tumor growth curves, body weight monitoring, and histopathological assessments, are available upon request through our project management team.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?

Alfa Cytology delivers scientifically rigorous NCI-H508 xenograft services tailored to advance your colon cancer therapeutic development. Our integrated platform combines validated models with comprehensive analytical capabilities to generate decision-ready data.

• Authenticated NCI-H508 cell stocks with confirmed STR profiles and mycoplasma-negative certification ensure model integrity from study initiation.
• Standardized subcutaneous implantation protocols achieve 100% tumor take rates with predictable growth kinetics, enabling reliable study scheduling.
• Comprehensive endpoint analysis including tumor volume monitoring, body weight assessment, histopathology, and biomarker quantification supports robust pharmacological interpretation.
• Flexible study designs accommodate single-agent and combination therapy evaluations, with customized dosing regimens and administration routes.
• Dedicated project management ensures transparent communication, timely data delivery, and regulatory-compliant documentation for IND-enabling packages.

Contact Us

Ready to advance your colon cancer preclinical program with our validated NCI-H508 xenograft model? Contact us today to discuss your study requirements, receive a customized proposal, and partner with Alfa Cytology for reliable, high-quality preclinical data. Reach out to our scientific team to explore how our NCI-H508 Xenograft Model Service can accelerate your drug development timeline.

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