The promise of patient-derived xenografts: the best laid plans of mice and men

Abstract

Compared with xenografts from previously established cell lines, patient-derived xenografts may more faithfully recapitulate the molecular diversity, cellular heterogeneity, and histology seen in patient tumors, although other limitations of murine models remain. The ability of these models to inform clinical development and answer mechanistic questions will determine their ultimate use.

Figure

Cell line based models have been criticized for their poor ability to predict outcomes for advanced cancer patients(3). Patient-derived xenografts have several characteristics that better recapitulate the clinical reality for patients. This tumor model “abacus” highlights areas of strength and weakness of patient-derived xenografts compared the cell line and human models. Blue squares further to the right represent positive characteristics of the patient-derived xenografts that are closer to the tumor biology of the patient.