Xenograft Model
Pronunciation: ZEE-no-graft
Preclinical research model where human cancer cells or tissues are transplanted into immunocompromised mice for drug testing and biological studies.
Full Definition
Xenograft models involve transplanting human cancer cells, cell lines, or tissue specimens into immunodeficient mice to create in vivo systems for cancer research. Common models include subcutaneous injection of cultured cancer cell lines (cell line-derived xenografts) or implantation of fresh patient tumor tissue (patient-derived xenografts or PDX). These models allow researchers to study tumor biology, test therapeutic interventions, and evaluate drug combinations in living organisms while using human cancer cells. Xenografts have been instrumental in preclinical drug development, though they have limitations including altered tumor microenvironments and lack of fully functional immune systems that may not accurately predict human responses.
In Context
- "The patient-derived xenograft model retained key characteristics of the original tumor including drug resistance patterns." — Preclinical study
- "Xenograft studies demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition with the combination therapy regimen." — Research publication