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

AimAvailability 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.MethodsFAMU 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.ResultsEngraftment 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.ConclusionOur 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.