Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models

Choose PDX Models That Predict Real Patient Outcomes

Many patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models can produce data, but not all of them can reveal how a therapy will perform in the clinic. Without predictive power, you risk advancing the wrong candidates, draining resources and limiting the benefit to patients.

Biologically faithful, rapidly delivered PDX studies, integrated with complementary in vitro assays, can help you reduce late-stage failure, accelerate decision making, and bring life-changing treatments to market sooner.

Host Models for Predictive PDX Studies
Select immunodeficient mice optimized for tumor take rate and translational relevance.
Need help selecting the right model? Ask our experts or use our Model Evaluation Program to de‑risk your decision.

Why Predictive Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models Can’t Wait

Oncology programs often depend on preclinical models that produce data but do not accurately predict how a therapy will perform in clinical settings. Since nearly 90% of oncology drugs fail during trials, this presents a significant risk for both drug developers and patients.

Utilizing predictive PDX models that mimic the complexity of human tumors, encompass heterogeneity, and support clear go/no-go decisions can help avoid expensive late-stage failures and support the progress of promising treatments.

Advances in in vivo PDX oncology models, along with complementary in vitro and in silico tools, mean you no longer have to choose between speed and biological relevance. This integrated approach gives you the clarity to pivot early, speed up timelines, and deliver breakthroughs to patients faster.

Accelerating Oncology Breakthroughs with PDX Models
Join Dr. Julia Schueler, a globally recognized expert in oncology model development, for a look at combining next-generation PDX studies with 3D and AI technologies to reduce preclinical timelines and enhance clinical relevance.
Watch the Webinar

Since speed alone is risky without relevance, each model in our database has been thoroughly evaluated for its molecular and pharmacological features.

Over 1,700 PDX Models in Our Portfolio

Large panels of well-characterized, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models covering a wide range of different tumor types are becoming the preferred research tool to optimize the drug development process, particularly for target validation and translational studies. Currently, these collections represent the preclinical oncology platform that most consistently displays the complexity of tumor heterogeneity and molecular diversity of human cancer¹.

Figure 1. Diagram of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models

Our portfolio includes over 1,700 patient-derived xenografts and is constantly growing. Established through international collaborations with major hospitals and universities, our models cover all major histological and molecular subtypes, and follow a strong quality process to ensure high quality. Searchable in our online database, these models are valuable assets in your drug development journey.

Our PDX Model portfolio can be used for any modalities, from small molecules to cell therapy, and includes:

• In vivo models
  • Subcutaneous, orthotopic, and disseminated models of cancer
  • Cancer cachexia models
  • PDX Model platform using humanized mouse models in standard or single mouse trial (SMT) format
  • In Vivo Implantable Microdevice PDX Studies; simultaneous in vivo testing of multiple drugs, drug doses, or drug combinations in a single tumor
• In vitro and in silico models to expedite PDX study
  • 2D/3D screening assays and subsequent PDX in vivo efficacy studies
  • PDX organoids
  • Zebrafish PDX Tumor Xenograft (ZTX^™) Models²
  • Machine learning tools, such as virtual control groups (VCGs) and for imaging applications
  • AI-enabled drug discovery and development platforms developed in collaboration with Valo
• Deeply characterized models
  • Extensive molecular and pharmacological characterization, and complete records on patients’ pretreatment
  • Integrated approach using the same PDX models and/or the corresponding cell line in different drug screening platforms
  • Identification of biomarkers, based on genomic or proteomic data associated with the respective models

Patient-Derived Xenografts – Cancer Model Database
Support your in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo studies with a user-friendly search, new model data (including HLA typing, growth curves, and tumor images), and multi-parameter search options for all tumor model types (PDX and CDX).
Visit Our Database

Patient-Derived Xenografts

Charles River’s patient-derived xenografts use tumor grafts as explants established as models at low passage numbers (average of six passes removed from patient). They have not been grown on plastic or propagated in vitro.

Establishing xenograft tumor models from patient-derived tumor tissue at low passage is believed to conserve original tumor characteristics such as tumor architecture, genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, and sensitivity towards cancer treatment. Based on this prevalent hypothesis, patient-derived xenografts are believed to offer relevant predictive insights into clinical outcomes when evaluating the efficacy of novel cancer therapies.

By leveraging the wealth of information that we have on each tumor model, we can help you with your study and suggest specific patient-derived xenograft PDX models that fit your program (e.g. AML, bladder cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer models).

Build Your Study

PDX Models Spotlight