Alfa Cytology has introduced the Next-Gen PrimePDX™ platform, a preclinical cancer modeling system designed to address limitations in traditional tumor models, particularly for immunotherapy research. The platform incorporates human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, creating a functional immune system in mice that more accurately reflects human immune responses. This advancement aims to strengthen the transition from in vitro to in vivo studies, providing researchers with a clearer view of tumor-immune interactions during drug development.
Traditional PDX models often fail to fully reproduce immune activity, which restricts their utility in immuno-oncology research. PrimePDX™ overcomes this by using small tumor fragments or early-passage tissues (P2–P5) to preserve tumor structure and diversity, while human cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can be added to replicate key aspects of the tumor microenvironment. Tumor growth and immune reconstitution are monitored throughout studies, with optional IVIS imaging enabling non-invasive tracking of tumor progression. This system is suitable for testing a range of therapies, including checkpoint inhibitors, antibody therapies, cell therapies, and cancer vaccines.
The platform integrates with Alfa Cytology's existing in vitro models, such as cell line-derived systems, 3D cultures, and cancer type-specific panels, which are used for drug testing, target validation, and resistance assessment. Researchers can initially screen treatments in the lab, confirm effects in animal models, and evaluate consistency between in vitro and in vivo results. This approach helps track tumor-immune interactions and assess the potential of therapeutic candidates and combination strategies in preclinical research. According to a project lead at Alfa Cytology, "PrimePDX™ provides a controlled setting to observe tumor growth, immune cell behavior, and treatment effects," aiding in study design and decision-making before further preclinical testing.
The launch of PrimePDX™ has implications for the broader oncology research community, as it addresses a critical gap in preclinical modeling. By enhancing the accuracy of immune response representation, the platform could lead to more reliable predictions of treatment efficacy, potentially accelerating drug development and reducing costs associated with failed clinical trials. For researchers and pharmaceutical companies, this means improved ability to evaluate immunotherapies and combination approaches, ultimately contributing to more effective cancer treatments. Alfa Cytology's development of this platform aligns with its focus on providing comprehensive cancer research models and preclinical testing services, as detailed on their website at https://www.alfacytology.com.
