Can established cancer cell lines be cultured in the Primary Cancer Culture System (PCCS)?
Yes. With a few exceptions, established cancer cell lines can be cultured in the Primary Cancer Culture System (PCCS, C‑28081) to enrich cancer stem cells (CSCs) for downstream research applications.
Please note: During the initial passages, cell growth may be slower than in conventional culture media.
Background
Established cancer cell lines are capable of indefinite proliferation under standard culture conditions. However, they typically contain only a small fraction of CSCs or CSC‑like cells (approximately 1–20%), while the majority of cells are more differentiated.
When cultured in PCCS, the proportion of CSC‑like cells increases, whereas the proportion of differentiated cells decreases. Since CSCs generally proliferate more slowly than the bulk tumor cell population, a reduction in overall growth rate may be observed during the adaptation phase.
In addition, cells may undergo morphological changes and appear smaller and more compact, reflecting enrichment of a more stem‑like and tumorigenic subpopulation.
Alternative medium
Unlike PCCS, Cancer Cell Line Medium XF (CCLM XF, C‑28077) is designed to support the growth of established cancer cell lines without enriching for CSCs. While CSCs can be maintained in CCLM XF, the medium does not selectively favor them. As a result, cell growth rates are typically comparable to those observed in conventional culture media.
Our Scientific Support team will be happy to discuss whether PCCS or CCLM XF is the more suitable option for your specific research application.
Please note: During the initial passages, cell growth may be slower than in conventional culture media.
Background
Established cancer cell lines are capable of indefinite proliferation under standard culture conditions. However, they typically contain only a small fraction of CSCs or CSC‑like cells (approximately 1–20%), while the majority of cells are more differentiated.
When cultured in PCCS, the proportion of CSC‑like cells increases, whereas the proportion of differentiated cells decreases. Since CSCs generally proliferate more slowly than the bulk tumor cell population, a reduction in overall growth rate may be observed during the adaptation phase.
In addition, cells may undergo morphological changes and appear smaller and more compact, reflecting enrichment of a more stem‑like and tumorigenic subpopulation.
Alternative medium
Unlike PCCS, Cancer Cell Line Medium XF (CCLM XF, C‑28077) is designed to support the growth of established cancer cell lines without enriching for CSCs. While CSCs can be maintained in CCLM XF, the medium does not selectively favor them. As a result, cell growth rates are typically comparable to those observed in conventional culture media.
Our Scientific Support team will be happy to discuss whether PCCS or CCLM XF is the more suitable option for your specific research application.
Products relevant to this topic
Primary Cancer Culture System
Cat No
C-28081
A complete defined and animal-component free cell culture solution designed for the selective culture of malignant cells derived from primary tumors or patient-derived xenografts.
Cancer Cell Line Medium XF
Cat No
C-28077
Serum-free and xeno-free medium for the standardized in vitro cultivation of established cancer cell lines. Fibronectin or vitronectin coating required.