Describe each phase of the YourPDX testing process.

Our functional oncology testing consists of two phases.

• Phase One: Initiation. The purpose of the Initiation phase is to establish human tumor tissue in immunocompromised mice, and to expand (grow) adequate tissue volume to support Phase Two: Pharmacology. Human tumor tissue will be implanted in up to five (5) immunocompromised mice, usually in multiple anatomic locations to increase chances of successful establishment. This first cohort (group) of mice is referred to as the “F1 generation.” In some cases, particularly in those involving slow-growing tumors, a second “passage” may be required to create sufficient tissue volume. This involves harvesting tumor tissue from F1 generation mice and engrafting it into a second cohort of mice (the F2 generation).
• Phase Two: Pharmacology. If the Initiation phase is successful, Certis can proceed to the second phase, Pharmacology testing. This involves developing a sufficient number of orthotopically engrafted mice to support the agreed-upon test agents, then dosing patient-derived xenograft orthotopic models with the selected therapies to simultaneously evaluate tumor response in each mouse. 

Download the fact sheet for more step-by-step information on YourPDX testing.