Top 8 Considerations For Choosing A PDX Model

Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) models have emerged as indispensable tools in modern oncology research and drug development. Unlike traditional cell line–based models, PDX systems preserve the genetic, histologic, and molecular complexity of human tumors, providing a more faithful representation of how cancers grow, evolve, and respond to treatment. By engrafting patient-derived tumor tissues into immunocompromised mice, researchers can evaluate therapeutic efficacy, explore mechanisms of drug resistance, and identify biomarkers in a biologically relevant context that closely mirrors the human disease environment.

Selecting the right PDX model is essential for producing meaningful, translatable, and reproducible results. Factors such as tumor origin, molecular profile, growth characteristics, and model validation can significantly influence study outcomes.

To guide your decision-making, we’ve outlined the top 10 criteria to consider when evaluating PDX models for your next oncology research or drug development program.