TumorGraft3D Platform
Evaluate defined assets, cohorts, and mechanism-focused questions in Champions’ matrix-free, multiclonal 3D ex vivo cultures established from PDX-derived tumor models.
Preclinical Oncology
TumorGraft3D™ Ex Vivo Platform
Our TumorGraft3D platform supports selected ex vivo studies using low-passage, PDX-derived 3D tumor models. Designed for cohort comparison, asset benchmarking, and mechanism-focused questions helping teams generate earlier comparative and translational insights before moving into more resource-intensive in vivo work.
Overview
Clinically Relevant 3D Tumor Models for Rapid, Translational Insights
Cell lines and expanded organoid systems can lack tumor complexity and heterogeneity, while in vivo studies are resource-intensive and lower throughput. TumorGraft3D is intended to provide a practical bridge between speed, scale, and clinically relevant tumor biology.
Clinically Relevant, PDX-Derived Biology
Low-passage 3D tumor models derived from PDX lineages established from clinically relevant patient tumors, including advanced, metastatic, and often pretreated disease.
Matrix-Free Assay Format
No added extra-cellular matrix (ECM), reducing potential drug-binding effects and matrix-associated autofluorescence for clearer assay interpretation.
Translational Bridge to In Vivo
Built from the same PDX-derived model lineage used in in vivo studies, supporting focused follow-up when in vivo biology is needed.
Practical Study Startup
Banked models give teams a practical path to study initiation, with readiness, timelines, and design requirements validated model-by-model.
Scale of the TumorGraft3D Platform
1,500+
Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models
300+
TumorGraft3D models and growing
25+
Tumor indications with treatment histories
Applications
TumorGraft3D is best suited for defined translational questions where model selection, controls, assay timing, and readouts match the scientific decision.
We can support small molecules, biologics, ADCs, selected immune-mediated questions, and radiation-based agents when the model and assay fit are confirmed
Comparative Profiling in Clinically Relevant 3D Tumor Models
Compare defined assets, constructs, or regimens in clinically relevant 3D tumor models selected to match the biological question, indication, or biomarker of interest. TumorGraft3D can provide comparative signals for ranking, cohort profiling, and go/no-go decisions when the assay design is fit for purpose.
Support dose-response analysis, IC50 generation, and rank-ordering for compatible models and assay windows.
Matrix-free format avoids added ECM, reducing potential drug-binding effects and supporting clearer imaging and assay interpretation.
Low-passage, heterogeneous models can support evaluation of target expression and treatment response when qualified readouts are available.
Best suited for indication-specific, biomarker-defined, or target-driven screens with appropriate controls and cohort size.
Results
The Questions TumorGraft3D Aims to Answer
How does response vary across a biologically defined cohort?
Which asset, construct, or regimen looks strongest in the same tumor context?
Is the response target-dependent, and what controls are needed to separate target, payload, isotype, or construct effects?
Does immune context materially change apparent activity versus monoculture?
Can the study generate a biologically grounded hypothesis for why some models respond and others do not?
Does response track with a genotype-defined subgroup?
Study design
Identify the Best Ex Vivo Platform for Your Project
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Co-Culture Assays
Assess immune-mediated effects, tumor-immune interactions, and engineered cell therapy questions in qualified models using study designs scoped with Champions’ scientific team.
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Hematological Vitroscreen
Access a large bank of highly characterized primary, never-passaged hematological models from leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma patients.
Resources
Explore Our Featured Posters
- AACR 2026 Poster #7174 - CAR T-Cell therapy efficacy evaluation in TumorGraft3D tri-culture platform with reconstructed tumor microenvironmentPoster - April 2026
- AACR 2026 Poster #4868: Modelling glioblastoma sensitivity to irradiation with a patient derived xenograft-derived 3D platformPoster - April 2026
- AACR 2026 Poster #2832: Evaluation of Natural Killer cells’ Contribution to the Efficacy of Immuno-oncology Regimens in Patient Derived Xenograft-Derived 3D ModelsPoster - April 2026
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
PDX-derived organoids, or PDXOs, are three-dimensional tumor models generated from clinically characterized patient-derived xenograft tumors. At Champions, these ex vivo models are designed to preserve meaningful tumor heterogeneity and support translational drug testing in biologically relevant advanced tumors.
Champions’ ex vivo platform is built from low-passage PDX-derived material and uses a matrix-free assay format with no added ECM. This allows us to study advanced, heavily pre-treated tumor biology in selected-model studies while avoiding added ECM that can complicate drug interaction and imaging readouts.
TumorGraft3D supports practical study startup using banked, PDX-derived 3D tumor models rather than fresh patient tissue workflows. Standard selected-model studies can often move forward more efficiently than fresh-tissue approaches, while more customized study designs, such as target validation, advanced co-culture, or specialized endpoints, may require additional setup.
The TumorGraft3D bank currently includes CTG models across multiple cancer indications. Major categories include NSCLC, breast, colorectal, ovarian, sarcoma, and melanoma, with additional coverage in areas such as pancreatic, GBM, prostate, gastric, endometrial, HNSC, and RCC.
Yes. TumorGraft3D supports selected-model screening and comparative ex vivo studies across biologically defined cohorts. Rather than broad exploratory HTS, the platform is best used for fit-for-purpose studies designed to compare assets, evaluate response patterns, and guide the next decision.
Yes. TumorGraft3D can support mechanism-focused and biomarker-informed studies when the assay fit is right. Depending on the question, studies can incorporate flow cytometry, NGS, qPCR, Western blot, and cytokine or soluble biomarker readouts to deepen biological interpretation.
Yes. Co-culture studies can support fit-for-purpose questions around immune-mediated killing and microenvironment context. These studies can help probe whether immune context changes apparent activity versus monoculture, whether ADCC or other immune-mediated effects are detectable, and whether suppressive TME components shape response.
TumorGraft3D uses a matrix-free format with no added ECM. This matters because added ECM can introduce unpredictable interactions with complex modalities such as peptides and antibodies, and it can also create autofluorescence that complicates imaging-based interpretation.
TumorGraft3D models are banked and prepared in a standardized ex vivo workflow designed for selected-model studies. Depending on the study design, models are thawed, seeded, and brought into the appropriate assay format before dosing and endpoint analysis.
PDX-derived organoids and PDX models are best viewed as complementary. Ex vivo studies can provide earlier comparative signal and help prioritize cohorts, assets, or hypotheses before in vivo work, while PDX studies remain important for questions that require full in vivo context, such as systemic biology, PK/PD, biodistribution, or certain linker-driven ADC questions.
In the right study design, TumorGraft3D can support certain longer-window ex vivo questions where duration and tumor context matter. Fit should be assessed based on the modality, exposure window, and endpoint strategy so the study design matches the biological question.
Yes. Champions works with clients to design studies around the scientific question, indication, biomarker profile, model set, and endpoint strategy needed to support a meaningful translational decision.
Champions’ ex vivo models are supported by baseline characterization and study-fit review before execution. Depending on the model and study type, this can include confirmation of human tumor content, molecular characterization, tissue-block availability, and readiness for the intended assay format so the study is built on the right foundation from the start.
TumorGraft3D is best suited to answer questions such as target dependence, free-payload sensitivity, genotype-linked response, cohort-level response patterns, and head-to-head comparison of assets or regimens in the same tumor context.
Available endpoints depend on the scientific question. Standard and add-on options can include CellTiter-Glo for comparative sensitivity and rank-ordering, FlowHT for cell populations and immune phenotype, brightfield imaging for morphology, NGS/qPCR for transcriptional response, Luminex/ELISA for cytokines and soluble biomarkers, and Western blot for protein and phospho-signaling readouts.
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