Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors, though often characterized by their indolent nature, present a significant challenge in oncology due to their diverse presentations and often delayed diagnosis. At Protheragen, we offer an integrated suite of services designed to accelerate the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors.
Overview of Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor
Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors are uncommon neuroendocrine neoplasms that originate from the enterochromaffin cells located in the Lieberkuhn crypts of the gastrointestinal tract. These tumors have the ability to secrete a range of hormonally active substances, such as serotonin, histamine, and various peptide hormones, which can cause clinical symptoms that vary from asymptomatic to severe carcinoid syndrome. While carcinoid tumors are most frequently found in the small intestine, appendix, and rectum, they can also develop in the stomach, duodenum, and colon. Due to their slow growth, these tumors are often diagnosed at an advanced stage, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention for better therapeutic outcomes.
Fig.1 H&E ×40 showing Grade 1 carcinoid tumor of classic type. (Bandara K. D.,
et al., 2021)
Pathogenesis of Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor
The precise pathogenic mechanisms behind gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are still not fully understood, but various factors are thought to contribute to their development. Genetic predisposition, especially in the context of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) syndrome, has been identified in some cases. Additionally, environmental factors, dietary habits, and chronic inflammation are suspected to play roles, though conclusive evidence is still lacking. The overproduction of growth factors and the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways have been noted in carcinoid tumor cells, indicating that dysregulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation may be key to their pathogenesis.
Diagnostics Development for Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor
- Serum Chromogranin A: Elevated levels of chromogranin A, a general marker for neuroendocrine tumors, are often observed in patients with carcinoid tumors and can aid in diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression.
- 24-Hour Urine 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA): Increased excretion of 5-HIAA, a metabolite of serotonin, is indicative of carcinoid tumor activity and is useful for confirming the diagnosis.
- Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): These imaging modalities are instrumental in detecting larger primary tumors and identifying liver and lymph node metastases. However, their sensitivity for smaller tumors is limited.
- Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy (SRS): SRS, utilizing radiolabeled somatostatin analogs such as 111In-DTPA-octreotide, offers high sensitivity and specificity for detecting carcinoid tumors, particularly those expressing somatostatin receptors.
Therapeutics Development for Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor
- Octreotide and Lanreotide: These long-acting somatostatin analogs are the mainstay of medical therapy for carcinoid syndrome, effectively controlling symptoms by inhibiting the release of hormones and peptides.
- Streptozocin-Based Regimens: Combination chemotherapy with streptozocin and fluorouracil or cyclophosphamide has shown some efficacy in unresectable carcinoid tumors, particularly those of small bowel origin. However, overall response rates remain modest, and toxicity can be significant.
- Receptor-Targeted Agents: Emerging therapies targeting specific receptors expressed on carcinoid tumor cells, such as somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2), hold promise for more effective therapeutic approaches.
Table 1. Therapeutics of Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor.
| Therapeutics |
Drug Name |
Target |
Description |
Stage |
| Somatostatin Analogues |
Octreotide, Lanreotide |
Somatostatin Receptors |
Inhibits hormone secretion, stabilizes tumor growth |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
Streptozocin, Fluorouracil, Adriamycin, Dacarbazine |
Rapidly Dividing Cancer Cells |
Controls tumor growth, alleviates symptoms |
Approved |
| Interferon Therapy |
Interferon-α |
Immune System Modulation |
Enhances immune response, used in combination therapy |
Preclinical |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
Protheragen, a leading provider of preclinical research services, offers comprehensive diagnostics and therapeutics development services tailored to the unique needs of gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor research. Our services span the entire drug development pipeline, from early-stage target discovery and validation to preclinical testing.
Disease Models
- RKO, HCT116, SW948, and HRA19 Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines
- Adult Stem Cell (ASC)-Derived Organoids
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC)-Derived Organoids
- Mongolian Gerbil Models
- Transgenic Mouse Models
- Cotton Rat (Mastomys) Models
Protheragen's development services for diagnostics and therapeutics are distinguished by our dedication to innovation, precision, and dependability. We utilize state-of-the-art technologies and advanced methodologies to guarantee that our clients benefit from top-tier services. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Bandara, Kavinda Deshapriya, et al. "A patient with multiple gastrointestinal carcinoid tumours presenting with jejunal intussusception." Case Reports in Surgery 2021.1 (2021): 5525086.
- Öberg, Kjell, and Barbro Eriksson. "Nuclear medicine in the detection, staging and treatment of gastrointestinal carcinoid tumours." Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 19.2 (2005): 265-276.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
