Objective To establish a patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) model and to observe the latency and rate of tumor formation, tumor size, tumor invasion and metastasis of transplanted tumors. Methods Seven patients with chest tumor in Drum Tower Hospital from April to December 2015 were chosen. There were 5 males and 2 females with age ranging from 61-71 years, including 4 patients of esophageal tumor and 3 patients of lung tumor. PDTX model was established by surgical removal of fresh tumor tissues of these patients and transplantation in NOD-Prkdcem26Il2rgem26Nju subcutaneous (NCG) mice. The latency and rate of tumor formation, tumor size, tumor invasion and metastasis of transplanted tumors were observed, and pathology of HE staining and immunohistochemical testing results were compared between PDTX model and the patients. Results PDTX model was successfully established in 4 patients, and the success rate was 66.7%, including 2 patients of esophageal cancer. The PDTX model retained the differentiation, morphological and structural characteristics of original tumors. Conclusion Pathology and molecular biology characteristics of PDTX model are consistent with the original tumor, which can be an " avatar” of tumor patients for clinical pharmacodynamics screening and new drug research and development.