Building Equitable Cancer Research Infrastructure: Successful Transfer of Patient-Derived Xenograft Technology to a Historically Black University

Abstract

Aim

Availability of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) xenografts is a recognized medical research need. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models are a valuable tool for studying PDAC, as they preserve the molecular, histological, and often stromal features of the primary tumor. However, access to PDX technologies is nationally limited, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We aimed to establish a self-sustained PDX biorepository at Florida A&M University (FAMU), a HBCU, through a partnership with two NCI-designated cancer centers and the CaRE² Health Center.

Methods

FAMU faculty and trainees received training in xenograft implantation, tumor excision, cryopreservation, and biorepository management. The University of Florida shipped frozen tumor tissues from two PDAC patients to FAMU; one was implanted at FAMU and serially passaged across generations for experimental needs and to produce reproducible early generation PDX. Trainees gained experience in both laboratory and translational workflows and participated in documenting standard operating procedures for sustaining the biorepository.

Results

Engraftment success was observed across murine generations (G): G0 (66%, mean volume 196.5 mm³), G1 (50%, 283.0 mm³), G2 (60%, 321.4 mm³), and G3 (80%, 416.3 mm³). All viable tumors were cryopreserved and archived in FAMU’s newly established PDX biorepository. The repository now supports two active PDAC projects focused on drug response and biomarker discovery and can passage the second PDAC tumor.

Conclusion

Our successful collaboration and transfer of advanced cancer modeling technology to a HBCU strengthens FAMU’s institutional research capacity. The collaboration also offers translational cancer research training, preparing trainees for careers in oncology medicine and biomedical science.

Introduction

Despite the disproportionate burden of cancer among individuals of African ancestry, ¹ their tumors remain scarce in biorepositories, limiting how research findings can progress toward equitable cancer prevention and treatment. This resource gap is particularly challenging for scientists at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other resource-limited institutions, where access to representative models is essential for expanding research and training the next generation of cancer researchers. The purpose of this article is to describe our efforts to address this need through the transfer of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models for research on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) at a leading HBCU, the Florida A&M University (FAMU).

PDAC is among the most aggressive and fatal malignancies, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 13%.^1,2 In the United States, African American patients experience significantly higher incidence and mortality from PDAC compared to other racial and ethnic groups.^1,3 To address this PDAC cancer health disparity, a partnership among the FAMU, University of Florida (UF), and University of Southern California (USC) supported by the Florida–California Cancer Research, Education, and Engagement Health Center (CaRE²; U54CA233396, U54CA233444, U54CA233465) has a primary focus on understanding why PDAC incidence, morbidity, and mortality are high in African American patients and uses PDX models to investigate whether a novel modified gemcitabine and nanoparticle delivery system can improve outcomes in preclinical models. ⁴

The FAMU study used PDX models because they offer a high-fidelity system for studying human cancers in vivo. These models preserve the growth, histological, and molecular features of primary tumors, making them powerful tools for translational research on drug response, tumor progression, ⁵ and biomarker discovery.^6,7 However, PDX platforms require substantial infrastructure, technical expertise, and financial investment for resources that are often limited at universities without an associated medical school and hospital, where human surgical tissue is accessible. As a result, many HBCUs and resource-limited institutions lack the infrastructure and resources to support PDX-related preclinical studies.

FAMU is a leading HBCU with recognized strength in pharmaceutical sciences and drug discovery. FAMU faculty members collectively hold more than 50 patents for novel therapeutic compounds, ⁸ several of which are poised for preclinical testing and translational development. The College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, at FAMU houses advanced facilities for drug screening, pharmacological evaluation, and early-phase drug development. FAMU also has had an AAALAC International accredited animal facility (No. 001059) since March 2003, which achieved Exemplary Status in April 2024. Yet, prior to this initiative, FAMU lacked capacity for research with patient-derived in vivo models. Establishing PDX capabilities directly supports FAMU’s therapeutic research pipeline and enhances hands-on training opportunities for trainees in cutting-edge translational research. This training positions FAMU graduates to join prestigious laboratories where they can use novel technology in their postdoctoral cancer studies and advance their careers as cancer scientists.

Our research collaboration enabled the successful transfer of PDX technology to FAMU evolved from UF sharing mice engrafted with human PDAC tumors for studies conducted at FAMU to UF sharing tumor tissue for engraftment at FAMU. This transfer included comprehensive personnel training, documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and the establishment of a sustainable PDAC PDX biorepository with tumors from African-ancestry patients. Here, we share the processes and outcomes of transferring PDX technology from NCI-designated cancer centers to a HBCU (Figure 1). Our intent is to encourage others to collaborate by sharing necessary resources to realize the enormous potential for scientific advances in cancer research at HBCUs and resource-limited institutions.

Figure 1.

Technology Transfer Timeline. This Graphic Flow Chart Shows the Timeline for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDX) Model Transfer From NCI-Designated Cancer Centers to the Florida A&M University (FAMU) for Preclinical Translational Cancer Research. Starting in 2018-2023, FAMU Received Non-Obese Diabetic/Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) Mice With PDAC PDX Already Implanted Tumors From the University of Florida (UF). The Collaboration Expanded to Include Training. Then, Since 2024, FAMU has Received PDAC PDX Tumor Tissue From the UF for FAMU to Implant and Expand for Research as Needed and to Maintain a Sustainable PDX Biorepository. Key: AACR: American Association for Cancer Research

Initial Process to Build FAMU’s Translational Cancer Research Infrastructure

The UF maintains a well-established PDX program focused on the development of high-fidelity PDAC models as well as other cancer models. ⁹ Early in our partnership (2018-2023), to facilitate the use of PDX models at FAMU for a study of a novel modified gemcitabine and nanoparticle delivery system, UF shipped 25-30 Non-Obese Diabetic/Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice engrafted with human PDAC tumors for the planned drug experiments. Tumor implantation was performed subcutaneously using PDX models developed from freshly resected patient tumor tissue, which was obtained with patient signed informed consent, approved UF Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols 201706590 (Trevino) and 202006590 (Hughes), and Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocol IRB202001082. The animal work related to this Commentary conforms to the ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines. ¹⁰ All aspects of the project were conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2024. Also, Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) were established between the institutions under their respective principal investigators to support material transfer and formalize collaborative research activities. Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) were established between the partnership members.

Following veterinary clearance at UF, a Rodent Shipping Record was prepared and submitted for approval by the UF attending veterinarian. The FAMU veterinarian verified that the receiving principal investigator had an active IACUC protocol covering the relevant procedures and mouse strains. Health records and vivarium pathogen screening results were also submitted to the FAMU veterinarian for review and confirmation of animal health status. Upon approval, a certified live-animal transporter was scheduled. On the day of shipment, UF laboratory staff labeled export cages and prepared shipping containers with appropriate bedding, enrichment material, food, and gel-based hydration. Animals, usually 25-30 per shipment, were then loaded into a temperature-controlled transport vehicle. Both institutions’ IACUCs coordinated the departure and receipt of the animals. Upon arrival at FAMU, animals were unpacked, health-checked, and placed into quarantine housing by FAMU laboratory staff before being included in the research protocols. This systematic process enabled the secure, compliant transfer of established PDX models and contributed significantly to building FAMU’s translational cancer research infrastructure, but was insufficient as a sustainable model at FAMU.

Increasing FAMU’s Translational Cancer Research Infrastructure

To support a more sustainable model at FAMU, the first step in transferring the PDX technology was training in the implantation of PDX tumors via survival surgery. The FAMU veterinarian, three FAMU graduate students conducting research on drug delivery in PDAC, their principal investigator, and the contact principal investigator of the NCI award participated in a 1-day training at UF. The training focused on PDX technology and transfer. Training covered the procedures for tumor implantation, monitoring tumor growth, tumor extraction from the mice, tumor handling post-extraction, and techniques for re-implanting tumors into additional mice to expand the PDX models. Following this training, instead of UF shipping 25-30 mice implanted with PDX tumors to FAMU, UF shipped frozen PDX tumor tissue to FAMU for the FAMU veterinarian to implant the tumor tissue into NOD/SCID mice at FAMU’s animal facility, conducted under an approved FAMU IACUC protocol (A3102-01).

The initial survival surgery used the frozen PDX tumor tissue from a Black male diagnosed with Stage T3N2 PDAC harboring a KRAS^G12D mutation. UF shipped the PDX tumor tissue to FAMU frozen in Cryostor media (StemCell Technologies, catalog # 07930), and it was stored frozen until implantation. ¹¹ Prior to implantation, tumors were rapidly thawed in a water bath at 37°C. The cryovial (Corning, catalog # 430659) was opened under the pressure hood (Labconco Type A2 biosafety cabinet) to maintain sterility. The thawed tissue was washed with sterile PBS buffer, kept in 37°C DMEM medium and cut to ∼4 mm³ size before proceeding with implantation for tumor expansion.

Following preparation, PDAC tumor fragments (4 mm³) were implanted into NOD/SCID mice using aseptic survival surgery techniques (Figure 2). All instruments and surgical surfaces were sterilized, and the procedure was conducted in a designated biosafety cabinet using sterile gloves, gowns, and drapes. Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and placed on a warming pad to maintain body temperature. For subcutaneous implantation, a small skin incision was made in the flank region under aseptic conditions. Tumor fragments, mixed with an equal volume of Matrix used (eg, Matrigel, Corning, #354234) to enhance engraftment, were inserted subcutaneously using sterile forceps or a trocar. The incision site was closed with absorbable sutures or wound clips, and animals received analgesics as per IACUC-approved protocols. Postoperatively, mice were monitored closely until full recovery and subsequently observed at least three times weekly for tumor growth, body weight, and general health. Tumor size was measured in mm using digital calipers. Once tumors reached the pre-established humane endpoint (typically 1.5 cm in diameter), they were harvested, divided into fragments, and either re-implanted for model expansion or cryopreserved for future model expansion and downstream molecular and histopathological analyses. The procedure of implanting the PDX tumor tissue was then repeated in additional NOD/SCID mice to achieve tumor growth in each generation until enough mice were implanted for PDAC experiments, which typically required 25-30 mice.

Figure 2.

Steps for Developing Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDX). Human Pancreatic Tumors Were Collected and Implanted Into Non-Obese Diabetic/Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) Mice to Establish PDX Models. These PDX Models Were Subsequently Passaged Through Multiple Generations to Maintain the Tumor’s Characteristics and Heterogeneity. This Approach Facilitates the Investigation of Tumor Biology, Advancement of Translational Research, and Assessment of Therapeutic Responses Within a Controlled in vivo Setting. Created With BioRender.com

Residual tumor tissue was cryopreserved in 2 mL cryovials containing sufficient CryoStor media for complete submersion of the tumor fragment (0.5 ml-1 ml). ¹² The number of tubes used depended on the number of samples to be stored for future use, typically 10-15 cryovials. Additional samples were snap-frozen and stored in a −80°C freezer for future protein and DNA/RNA isolation to characterize tumor heterogeneity, which will factor into the funded modified gemcitabine studies and other funded studies that will allow for the validation of biomarkers. ¹³

For this project, data documented at FAMU included IACUC, MTA, patient/tumor code, diagnosis, site, stage, key mutation, time and date the tissues were obtained and transport condition. In addition to specimen handling the following data were documented: medium (CryoStor), storage temperature, freeze/thaw details, Wash solutions, antibiotics/antimycotics used; mincing method; fragment size (mm³), and Matrix used (eg, Matrigel) with catalog/lot numbers and mix ratio. Furthermore, data about the animals used were also recorded, including the mouse strain/stock, sex, age, weight, source vendor/health status (SPF), housing conditions: room, cage type, bedding, temperature/humidity, light cycle, chow/water type and acclimation period, and tumor length and width for calculation of tumor volumes (Volume (mm³) = (length × width ² )/2).

Initial Outcomes

In Generation 0, 3 mice were implanted with tumors and 2 mice had tumor growth (66%) (Table 1). In Generation 1, 8 mice were implanted with tumors and 4 mice had tumor growth (50%). In Generation 2, 15 mice were implanted and 9 mice had tumor growth (60%) after 8 weeks. In Generation 3, 25 mice were implanted with tumors and 20 mice had tumor growth (80%). As displayed in Table 1, the number of days from implantation to tumor extraction decreased from 118 in Generation 0 to 63 in Generation 3.

Table 1.

PDX Mice Tumor Implantation Number, Tumor Expression, Average Tumor Length Width and Tumor Volume by Generation, Number of Days From Implantation to Extraction for Each Generation, and Tissue Volume Preserved

Measures	Generation
	0	1	2	3
# (%) of mice with tumors implanted	3 (100%)	8 (100%)	15 (100%)	25 (100%)
# (%) of mice expressing tumors	2 (66%)	4 (50%)	9 (60%)	20 (80%)
Average tumor volume (mm3)	196.5	283.0	321.4	416.3
Average tumor length (mm)	9.3	9.8	10.3	10.5
Average tumor width (mm)	6.5	7.6	7.9	8.9
Days from implantation to extraction	118	85	117	63
Tumor volume cryopreserved (mm3)	0	415.3	1245.5	2491.6

We observed an increase in the tumor volumes across the generations and tissue available for cryopreservation. G0 and G1 had average tumor lengths of 9.3 mm and 9.8 mm, respectively, and widths of 6.5 mm and 7.6 mm. Tumor lengths and widths increased in G2 and G3. By G3, average tumor length was 10.5 mm, and tumor width was 8.9 mm. Additionally, the average tumor volume for Generation 0 was 196.5 mm³ and 283.0 mm³ in Generation 1, whereas G2 and G3 had tumor volumes of 321.4 mm³ and 416.3 mm³, respectively. The tumor volume that was available for cryopreservation increased across the generations as the number of animals implanted with tumors increased. At G0, there was no cryopreserved tumor tissue. However, from G1, 415 mm³ of tumor volume was cryopreserved, and this increased to about 2491 mm³ by G3.

PDX Repository Development

A PDX biorepository was established at FAMU with cryopreserved tumor tissues. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) were documented to ensure reproducibility and long-term resource stability. ¹⁴ These SOPs serve as a reference for biospecimen management, preservation, and inventory control at every level. FAMU’s ability to conduct independent, exceptional cancer research has been strengthened by the biorepository, and its current role is enhanced as a key site for upcoming translational research. The establishment of a FAMU biorepository greatly expands the possibilities for study in the areas of pharmaceutical sciences, such as medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, and pharmacology. In addition to storing patient-derived tumors from UF and USC, the repository facilitates the creation of biologically relevant in vivo models for assessing the pharmacodynamics, toxicity, and effectiveness of new potential treatment agents. Pharmacologists and pharmaceutics scientists can evaluate drug delivery, metabolism, and formulation in clinically realistic situations using these models, while medicinal chemists can validate drug candidates.

The repository further allows for additional applications outside of animal research. Generation-matched 3D cultures, like organoids or spheroids, can be created from tumor tissue for drug screening. Researchers can also access primary tumor cell lines that are generated from the PDX tumor tissue, giving greater access to heterogeneous tumor specimens, which are not commercially available. The facility enhances representation in preclinical models and accelerates drug development, establishing it as a central hub for cancer research at FAMU.

Training and Workforce Development

This project supported the successful transfer of technical skills to FAMU faculty and trainees through meaningful exposure to cancer research via direct involvement in a translational science initiative. Trainees contributed to the SOP draft document that included all process steps including tumor implantation and excision procedures and the refinement of repository maintenance practice. By contributing to both the experimental and translational components of the project, trainees gained insight into how laboratory research informs clinical applications. These experiences were intended to prepare the post-baccalaureate trainees for medical or graduate school by building a solid foundation in cancer biology, research methodology, and the principles of therapeutic development. The graduate students were trained in PDX model expansion for drug development experiments and biorepository maintenance.

Specifically, these activities occurred during CaRE² post-baccalaureate trainees’ year-long intensive research training program and graduate students’ participation in the CaRE² Grad + program (Figure 3). Details of both training programs have been described elsewhere.^4,15 The CaRE² programs advanced the career development of the next generation of scientists and physicians, including six trainees and two early-stage or new investigators who contributed to this project (Figure 3). CaRE² trainees also gained knowledge in cancer research and efforts to address cancer health disparities across all populations with the goal of educating communities and furthering scientific research.

Figure 3.

Project Facilitated Career Development Outcomes. This Project Fostered Many Career Development Opportunities for Trainees, Early-Stage Investigators, and New Investigators in the Transfer of Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Mouse Models to Increase Cancer Research and Training Infrastructure at the Florida A&M University. Training Activities Included: Observe Survival Surgery, Monitor PDX Mice for Tumor and Wellbeing Outcomes, SOP Documentation, Biorepository Documentation and Storage, Abstract Submission, Poster Development and Presentation, Manuscript Writing and Submission; and Preclinical Modified Gemcitabine Experiments in PDX Models.

In this commentary, we present the successful establishment of a PDAC PDX biorepository at FAMU, a HBCU, significantly enhancing its cancer research infrastructure. The implementation of this in vivo platform enables translational studies critical for advancing the understanding of tumor biology, therapeutic response, and biomarker development for all cancer patients. Tumor engraftment and serial passaging in NOD/SCID mice were achieved with rates consistent with established national benchmarks, ¹⁶ confirming the reproducibility and biological fidelity of the models expanded at a HBCU with an accredited animal facility. These results demonstrate that complex PDX technology can be effectively transferred and sustained at a HBCU, providing a valuable resource for ongoing and future cancer research.

Beyond the technical achievements, this initiative has had substantial institutional impact. FAMU faculty, post-baccalaureate trainees, graduate students, and staff received comprehensive training in tumor implantation, excision, and monitoring techniques, which strengthened local expertise in the critical in vivo methodologies. The SOPs institutionalize the quality-controlled workflows, ensuring experimental consistency, compliance with best practices, and sustainability of the biorepository. ¹⁷ These efforts collectively build a foundation for independent and high-quality translational research, positioning FAMU to contribute meaningfully to cancer science and drug development.

A major contribution of this work is the inclusion of a tumor sample derived from a Black male patient and a second tumor sample derived from a Black female that is available for expansion, addressing a significant gap in preclinical cancer models that predominantly represent European ancestry. This biorepository thus enhances the diversity and representativeness of models available for studying PDAC, supporting research that may uncover ancestry-specific biological factors and improve the relevance of preclinical findings. Currently, the PDX models support CaRE²-funded projects focused on testing modified gemcitabine therapies ¹⁸ and evaluating circulating free DNA (cfDNA) ¹⁹ as a minimally invasive biomarker for treatment response, highlighting their translational utility.

This project underscores the transformative potential of collaborative partnerships between NCI-designated cancer centers and resource-limited institutions. By facilitating technology transfer, workforce development, and infrastructure enhancement, such collaborations empower HBCUs and resource-limited institutions to become independent leaders in biomedical research. ²⁰ These efforts are critical to expanding the cancer research workforce to advance research on cancer health disparities in outcomes across all populations. Our project aim was to share the processes and outcomes of the transfer of PDX technology from an NCI-designated cancer center to a HBCU. Other cancer centers and HBCUs or other resource limited institutions are encouraged to collaborate by sharing resources and thereby facilitate the realization of the enormous potential for scientific advances in cancer at all institutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the successful transfer and implementation of PDX technology at FAMU marks a pivotal advancement in establishing sustainable, high-impact cancer research infrastructure. This initiative has culminated in the creation of a living, expandable PDX biorepository for PDAC, a critical resource that enables cancer research and accelerates the development of novel therapeutic strategies. By establishing this platform, FAMU has bridged a crucial gap in preclinical cancer modeling, especially for tumors derived from patients of African ancestry, thereby addressing the limited availability that has historically affected the generalizability of cancer research to all populations. Through comprehensive hands-on training, workforce development, and the documentation of SOPs, FAMU has built a robust institutional capacity that ensures the continuity and reproducibility of high-quality translational cancer studies.

This capacity empowers the institution to independently conduct complex in vivo experiments, monitor tumor progression, and evaluate drug efficacy with precision. More importantly, these advances enable FAMU to focus on the unique cancer burden faced by all populations, creating research opportunities that directly contribute to reducing cancer health disparities in outcomes across all populations. Beyond strengthening FAMU’s research capabilities, this work promotes a robust scientific ecosystem by equipping the institution with cutting-edge technologies to train undergraduate and graduate students and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. ¹⁵ The project contributes to expanding the pipeline of cancer researchers and enhances the representation of all patient populations in preclinical studies. These efforts are essential for ensuring that future scientific discoveries and therapeutic innovations are inclusive and relevant to all demographic groups.

Ultimately, this collaborative endeavor exemplifies the transformative potential of strategic partnerships between NCI-designated cancer centers and resource-limited institutions. ⁴ It highlights the critical role that such institutions can play in advancing cancer research, ¹⁸ driving biomedical innovation and improving clinical outcomes for all communities. Looking forward, the PDX models implemented through this project hold significant promise for personalized medicine applications by enabling deeper understanding of individual tumor microenvironments and facilitating the development of tailored therapies.^21,22 Given that gemcitabine remains a standard of care for PDAC, ¹⁸ findings generated from these models are anticipated to inform the clinical translation of the modified gemcitabine compounds, ultimately enhancing treatment efficacy and patient survival. Furthermore, the PDX program will be expanded to include PDAC organoid models and PDX models for other cancers. Such preclinical models that represent all populations benefit all patients with cancer through a more robust and generalizable scientific knowledge base. Finally, cancer center leaders, university administrators and governing bodies, state and federal legislators, and other funding and policy groups can use this successful collaborative partnership model to build further cancer research capacity across the nation.