Table 2 Methods used to generate PDX models
Dissociation method | |
|---|---|
Advantages | Disadvantages |
• Unbiased representation/sampling of whole tumor (unlike sectioning) • Ability to challenge a large number of mice with primary tumor cells (especially when injected within a supporting/collagen matrix) | • Dissociation capabilities and forces may bias the number and type of cells • The formation of mouse-human hybrid tumor (increases with number of passages) • Tumor microenvironment (TME) is not preserved |
Fragmentation method: | |
Advantages | Disadvantages |
• TME is maintained (hypoxia, acidity, cell:cell interactions, tissue architecture) • May better reconstitute the immune component to some degree | • Not representative of the entire tumor (spatially segregated subclones and immune cells) • Cannot study early tumor formation and responses |