NCI-H650 Xenograft Model Service for NSCLC

The NCI-H650 xenograft model represents a distinctive preclinical platform for investigating bronchioalveolar carcinoma progression and therapeutic intervention in NSCLC. Alfa Cytology delivers rigorously validated NCI-H650 cell line-derived xenograft services designed to accelerate your early-stage oncology compound evaluation with reproducible tumor kinetics and comprehensive endpoint analysis.

Overview of NCI-H650 Xenograft Model for NSCLC

NCI-H650 was established from a lymph node metastasis of bronchioalveolar carcinoma in a male non-smoker and exhibits spherical morphology with suspension growth characteristics. Genetically, this cell line demonstrates a near-triploid karyotype with modal chromosome number of 90 and harbors characteristic chromosomal aberrations including del(p14-p23) and inv(3p), positioning it as a valuable model for studying chromosomal instability in pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Fig 1. The effect of combined inhibition of CDK1 and PRMT5 on cell proliferation. (Zhai, Zhanqiang, et al., 2026)

When propagated as a subcutaneous xenograft in immunodeficient mice, NCI-H650 forms moderately growing tumors that recapitulate key histological features of the parental cell line. The model lacks canonical driver mutations in EGFR, KRAS, and ALK, making it particularly suitable for evaluating therapies targeting alternative oncogenic pathways, neuroendocrine differentiation markers, or epigenetic regulators in NSCLC subtypes that do not respond to conventional targeted agents.

Cell Line Information: NCI-H650

The NCI-H650 cell line was deposited to ATCC by Dr. A. Gazdar and Dr. J. Minna and has been extensively characterized for preclinical oncology research. Key specifications are summarized below:

Our Services

Alfa Cytology maintains NCI-H650 cells under stringent quality control protocols and offers flexible xenograft study designs ranging from single-agent efficacy evaluation to combination therapy screening, with customizable endpoints including tumor volume monitoring, body weight assessment, and post-study histopathological examination.

Workflow of NCI-H650 Xenograft Model Construction

The construction of NCI-H650 xenografts follows a standardized yet adaptable protocol to ensure consistent tumor engraftment and reliable pharmacological readouts. Each phase is executed with documented quality control checkpoints.

1. Cell Culture and Quality Verification : NCI-H650 cells are expanded in ACL-4 serum-free medium supplemented with insulin, transferrin, and EGF. Prior to implantation, cells undergo mycoplasma testing, STR authentication, and viability assessment to confirm identity and exponential growth status.
2. Cell Preparation and Matrigel Suspension : Harvested cells are washed and resuspended at a concentration of 1 × 10⁷ cells per milliliter in a 1:1 mixture of serum-free medium and high-concentration Matrigel. This matrix supports initial cell anchorage and promotes rapid vascularization upon implantation.
3. Subcutaneous Implantation : Under aseptic conditions, 100 µL of the cell suspension (containing 1 × 10⁶ cells) is injected into the flank of immunodeficient mice, typically athymic nude or NOD-SCID strains. Tumor palpation begins within 7–10 days post-injection.
4. Tumor Monitoring and Randomization : Tumor dimensions are measured twice weekly using digital calipers, with volume calculated via the modified ellipsoid formula (length × width² × 0.5). Upon reaching 100–150 mm³, animals are randomized into treatment cohorts based on tumor size and body weight.
5. Compound Administration and Data Collection : Test articles are administered according to the predefined dosing schedule. Throughout the study, tumor volumes and body weights are recorded at regular intervals. Blood samples may be collected for pharmacokinetic correlation.
6. Necropsy and Endpoint Analysis : At study termination, tumors are excised, weighed, and photographed. Tissues are fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for H&E staining and immunohistochemistry, with optional snap-freezing for molecular profiling.

Fig 2. NCI-H650 xenograft model construction workflow.

Case Study-NCI-H650 Xenograft Model Development

In a recent preclinical engagement, the NCI-H650 xenograft was employed to evaluate the antitumor activity of a novel platinum-based combination regimen. Following subcutaneous engraftment in athymic nude mice, animals bearing established tumors received varying dose levels of the investigational compound alongside a standard-of-care comparator. Tumor growth inhibition was observed across multiple dose groups, with the highest treatment arm demonstrating sustained suppression relative to vehicle controls. Post-study histopathological examination revealed reduced Ki-67 proliferation indices and increased apoptotic markers in responder tumors, supporting further mechanistic investigation in downstream preclinical programs.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?

Alfa Cytology combines scientific rigor with operational flexibility to deliver NCI-H650 xenograft data that withstands regulatory scrutiny.

• Our NCI-H650 cells are authenticated by STR profiling and routinely tested for mycoplasma contamination to ensure experimental integrity.
• We offer real-time tumor monitoring with digital caliper measurements and optional non-invasive imaging modalities for longitudinal assessment.
• Study designs are tailored to your compound class, with customizable dosing routes, schedules, and combination arms.
• All procedures are conducted in AAALAC-accredited facilities with IACUC-approved protocols and comprehensive veterinary oversight.
• Deliverables include detailed study reports with statistical analysis, raw data files, and publication-ready histopathology images.

Contact Us

If you are advancing an NSCLC therapeutic candidate and require a validated NCI-H650 xenograft platform, reach out to Alfa Cytology today. Our preclinical team is ready to discuss your specific study requirements and design a customized efficacy program that aligns with your development timeline.

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