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Cancer xenografts represent a crucial facet of cancer research, providing a valuable platform for studying tumor biology and evaluating potential therapeutic interventions. In this model, human cancer cells are implanted into immunodeficient mice, allowing researchers to observe tumor growth, progression, and response to various treatments. The use of cancer xenografts enables scientists to better understand the complex interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment. By closely mimicking human cancer in vivo, researchers can investigate the efficacy and safety of novel anticancer drugs before advancing to clinical trials. These xenograft models are diverse, reflecting the heterogeneity of human cancers. Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) involve transplanting tumor tissues directly from patients into mice, preserving the unique characteristics of individual tumors. Cell line xenografts utilize established cancer cell lines, offering a controlled environment for experimentation. Despite their significance, cancer xenografts have limitations. The absence of a functional immune system in the host mice limits the assessment of immune responses to the tumor. Additionally, the artificial microenvironment may not fully replicate the complexity of human tissues. Nevertheless, cancer xenografts remain a valuable tool for preclinical studies, playing a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of cancer biology and facilitating the development of new therapeutic strategies.
