Head and neck cancer patient-derived xenograft models – A systematic review

[Display omitted] •This is the first systematic review that summarizes the use of HNC-PDX.•In general, the studies were flawed in terms of detailing the procedures used.•PDX recapitulates the histology and molecular aspects of the original HNC tumor.•PDX represents a valuable method in translational research for the HNC. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) involve the direct surgical transfer of fresh human tumor samples to immunodeficient mice. This systematic review aimed to identify publications of head and neck cancer PDX (HNC-PDX) models, describing the main methodological characteristics and outcomes. An electronic search was undertaken in four databases, including publications having used HNC-PDX. Data were analyzed descriptively. 63 articles were yielded. The nude mouse was one most commonly animal model used (38.8 %), and squamous cell carcinoma accounted for the majority of HNC-PDX (80.6 %). Tumors were mostly implanted in the flank (86.3 %), and the latency period ranged from 30 to 401 days. The successful rate ranged from 17 % to 100 %. Different drugs and pathways were identified. HNC-PDX appears to significantly recapitulate the morphology of the original HNC and represents a valuable method in translational research for the assessment of the in vivo effect of novel therapies for HNC.