NCI-H810 Xenograft Model Service for NSCLC

The NCI-H810 xenograft model represents a well-characterized preclinical platform derived from a pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) cell line, offering researchers a robust system to evaluate novel therapeutic strategies against one of the most aggressive subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer. At Alfa Cytology, we specialize in constructing and validating NCI-H810 xenograft models with reproducible tumor kinetics and comprehensive pharmacodynamic readouts, enabling precise assessment of candidate compounds in a physiologically relevant setting.

Overview of NCI-H810 Xenograft Model for NSCLC

NCI-H810 is an adherent epithelial cell line originally established from the lung tissue of a 51-year-old male patient prior to therapy. Classified under the spectrum of non-small cell lung cancer, this line exhibits histopathological and molecular hallmarks consistent with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), a high-grade pulmonary malignancy characterized by organoid nesting, prominent nucleoli, brisk mitotic activity exceeding 10 mitoses per 2 mm², and extensive geographic necrosis. LCNEC accounts for approximately 0.3% to 3% of all lung tumors and is strongly associated with heavy smoking history. The disease carries a particularly poor prognosis, with median overall survival of approximately 17.9 months and a three-year survival rate below 2%, underscoring the urgent need for effective preclinical screening platforms.

Fig 1. Immunohistochemistry and H&E staining of NCI-H810 xenograft tumors confirmed in vivo retention of neuroendocrine marker profiles (INSM1+, pRB1+) and the characteristic palisading/rosette architecture of LCNEC. (Yokota, Etsuko, et al., 2024)

In xenograft applications, NCI-H810 cells demonstrate reliable engraftment in immunocompromised murine hosts, forming tumors that retain neuroendocrine architectural patterns and express canonical markers including chromogranin, synaptophysin, and CD56. The cell line has been instrumental in elucidating oncogenic dependencies—most notably the tropomyosin-related kinase B (TRKB) signaling axis—and has served as a predictive model for evaluating targeted inhibitors in vivo. Its documented MYC amplification and CD146-mediated migratory phenotype further position NCI-H810 as a valuable tool for investigating tumor progression, metastatic dissemination, and therapeutic resistance mechanisms in the LCNEC context.

Cell Line Information: NCI-H810

The following table summarizes the essential characteristics and provenance of the NCI-H810 cell line, providing researchers with critical reference data for experimental design and quality control.

Our Services

Alfa Cytology leverages deep expertise in neuroendocrine tumor biology to deliver NCI-H810 xenograft models with stringent quality benchmarks. Our preclinical team ensures each study is powered by authenticated cell stocks, standardized implantation protocols, and multi-modal endpoint analysis—providing you with defensible data to advance your NSCLC therapeutic pipeline from discovery through lead optimization.

Workflow of NCI-H810 Xenograft Model Construction

Establishment of a reliable NCI-H810 xenograft model demands meticulous attention to cell culture integrity, host selection, and surgical precision. At Alfa Cytology, we implement a phased workflow that spans from cell line authentication through endpoint histopathology, ensuring each model meets rigorous preclinical standards. Both subcutaneous and orthotopic implantation routes are available, with the choice guided by your mechanistic questions—subcutaneous models favor straightforward tumor measurement and high-throughput drug screening, whereas orthotopic models better recapitulate the pulmonary tumor microenvironment and metastatic cascade.

1. Cell Line Authentication and Expansion NCI-H810 cells are revived from cryopreserved stocks and expanded under defined HITES medium conditions. Short tandem repeat (STR) profiling is performed to confirm identity, and mycoplasma screening is conducted to exclude contamination. Cells are harvested at logarithmic growth phase for optimal viability upon implantation.
2. Host Selection and Acclimation Immunocompromised mice—typically athymic nude (nu/nu) or NOD-scid gamma (NSG) strains—are selected based on study duration and desired immune context. Animals are quarantined and acclimated for a minimum of one week under specific-pathogen-free (SPF) conditions, with health monitoring documented throughout.
3. Tumor Cell Preparation NCI-H810 cells are washed, counted, and resuspended at a defined concentration (typically 1 × 10⁶ to 1 × 10⁷ cells per 100 µl) in serum-free medium mixed with Matrigel for subcutaneous models, or in phosphate-buffered saline for orthotopic intrapulmonary delivery. Cell viability is verified by trypan blue exclusion prior to injection.
4. Xenograft Implantation For subcutaneous models, the cell suspension is injected into the flank region using a sterile insulin syringe. For orthotopic models, a thoracotomy or percutaneous intercostal approach is employed to deliver cells directly into the left lung parenchyma under anesthesia and sterile surgical conditions. Post-operative analgesia and wound care are administered according to institutional animal care guidelines.
5. Tumor Monitoring and Randomization Tumor establishment is monitored by palpation (subcutaneous) or non-invasive imaging (orthotopic). Once tumors reach a predetermined volume—commonly 100–200 mm³—animals are randomized into treatment cohorts. Body weight and general health status are recorded at regular intervals to assess treatment tolerability.
6. Endpoint Analysis and Histopathology At study termination, tumors are excised, weighed, and photographed. Tissue samples are fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) against neuroendocrine markers (chromogranin A, synaptophysin, CD56) and proliferation indices (Ki-67). Additional analyses—including TUNEL apoptosis assays, western blotting, and gene expression profiling—are available upon request.

Fig 2. NCI-H810 xenograft model construction workflow.

Case Study-NCI-H810 Xenograft Model Development

In a representative preclinical engagement, the NCI-H810 subcutaneous xenograft model was utilized to evaluate a panel of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the TRKB/BDNF signaling axis—a pathway implicated in LCNEC proliferation and invasive behavior. Following subcutaneous implantation of 5 × 10⁶ NCI-H810 cells into athymic nude mice, palpable tumors developed within 10–14 days with consistent growth kinetics across the cohort. Treatment arms received either vehicle control or investigational compound via intraperitoneal administration on a defined dosing schedule. Tumor volume was measured biweekly using calipers, with tumor growth inhibition (TGI) calculated relative to the control group. Endpoint analysis revealed significant suppression of tumor expansion in the treated cohort, accompanied by reduced expression of matrix metalloproteinases and diminished pleural dissemination potential in companion orthotopic studies. Histological examination confirmed retention of neuroendocrine morphology and marker expression throughout the study duration, validating the translational fidelity of the model.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?

Selecting the right preclinical partner can determine the trajectory of your oncology program. Alfa Cytology combines scientific rigor with operational flexibility to deliver NCI-H810 xenograft studies that generate actionable, publication-ready data.

• Authenticated Cell Lines – Every NCI-H810 batch is verified by STR profiling and mycoplasma testing prior to study initiation, eliminating genetic drift and contamination risks.
• Dual Implantation Platforms – We offer both subcutaneous and orthotopic NCI-H810 models, allowing you to align the tumor microenvironment with your mechanistic and pharmacological objectives.
• Neuroendocrine Expertise – Our histopathology team possesses specialized experience in LCNEC marker profiling, ensuring accurate phenotypic validation of xenograft tumors.
• Customizable Endpoints – Beyond standard tumor volume and body weight tracking, we provide IHC, multiplex immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and molecular profiling tailored to your compound mechanism.
• Regulatory-Quality Documentation – All studies are conducted under GLP-compliant protocols with comprehensive data packages, audit trails, and statistical analysis plans suitable for regulatory submissions and peer-reviewed publications.
• Accelerated Timelines – With established NCI-H810 master cell banks and validated surgical protocols, we can initiate enrollment within weeks of project kickoff, compressing your preclinical development cycle.

Contact Us

Whether you are advancing a first-in-class kinase inhibitor, a bispecific antibody, or a novel combination regimen, Alfa Cytology stands ready to accelerate your NSCLC preclinical program with precision-engineered NCI-H810 xenograft models. Reach out to us today to discuss your study design, obtain a customized proposal, or schedule a consultation with our oncology modeling specialists. Let us translate your therapeutic hypothesis into robust, reproducible preclinical evidence.

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