Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 19, 2025
A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model
Published on: May 20, 2019
Pre-clinical modeling of cutaneous melanoma
Vito W Rebecca1, Rajasekharan Somasundaram1, Meenhard Herlyn2
1The Wistar Institute, Melanoma Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract:
Metastatic melanoma is challenging to manage. Although targeted- and immune therapies have extended survival, most patients experience therapy resistance. The adaptability of melanoma cells in nutrient- and therapeutically-challenged environments distinguishes melanoma as an ideal model for investigating therapy resistance. In this review, we discuss the current available repertoire of melanoma models including two- and three-dimensional tissue cultures, organoids, genetically engineered mice and patient-derived xenograft. In particular, we highlight how each system recapitulates different features of melanoma adaptability and can be used to better understand melanoma development, progression and therapy resistance.
Insights
Metastatic melanoma therapy resistance is a major challenge. This review explores various melanoma models, like organoids and xenografts, to understand how melanoma adapts and becomes resistant to treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Translational Research
Background:
- Metastatic melanoma management remains difficult.
- Targeted and immune therapies improve survival but often face resistance.
- Melanoma's adaptability makes it a key model for studying therapy resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current melanoma models for studying therapy resistance.
- To highlight how different models recapitulate melanoma adaptability.
- To provide insights into melanoma development, progression, and resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on melanoma models.
- Discussion of two- and three-dimensional tissue cultures.
- Analysis of organoids, genetically engineered mice, and patient-derived xenografts.
Main Results:
- Various models offer distinct advantages for studying melanoma.
- Each model system recapitulates specific aspects of melanoma adaptability.
- Models aid in understanding the mechanisms of therapy resistance.
Conclusions:
- Melanoma models are crucial for deciphering resistance mechanisms.
- The choice of model depends on the specific research question.
- Advancing melanoma treatment requires better understanding through these models.
