Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma (ICC) is a rare form of breast cancer, representing under 4% of all cases. Protheragen offers comprehensive diagnostics and therapeutics development services for Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma (ICC). Our services encompass a wide range of capabilities, from histopathological and molecular diagnostics to the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
Overview of Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma (ICC)
Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma (ICC) is a rare and unique subtype of breast cancer, with distinctive features on histology and unusual patterns of presentation and progression. Tumor cells capable of forming nests perforated by rounded spaces, cribriform or sieve-like structures, are one of the defining features of histological ICC. Typically, this pattern of architecture is associated with low, at least comparatively, histological grade and slower growth than other invasive breast cancers. In ICC, a breast mass is usually the most common presenting complaint and is often seen with microcalcifications on mammograms. While more frequently diagnosed in older women, it occurs very rarely in men, too. Cases with ICC tend to have a good prognosis, although they do not do as well as cases with more aggressive breast cancers like Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), and tend to have lower survival rates.
Fig.1 P63 and SMMHC staining of ICC. (Ju H.,
et al., 2023)
Diagnostics Development for Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma (ICC)
- Histopathological Diagnosis
The best way to diagnose Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma (ICC) is by using histopathological examination. With a microscope, one can see the distinctive cribriform pattern, which shows tumor cells in nests with rounded spaces that are perforated. Comedo necrosis and calcification, which is also dystrophic support, make the diagnosis stronger. IHC will identify the phenotype as luminal with strong ER positivity and almost complete negativity of PR. HER2 status is often unclear or negative, which sets ICC apart from other subtypes of breast cancer.
- Imaging Techniques
The ICC's diagnosis and management benefit greatly from advanced imaging techniques. There is usually a fairly defined mass with internal microcalcifications on mammograms, which is quite characteristic of Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma (ICC). Ultrasound imaging reveals a complex cystic and solid mass with several calcifications within the solid portion. MRI offers detailed images of the tumor's size and shape and its relation to the nearby structures. All the above imaging techniques improve the accuracy of ICC diagnosis and assessment.
- Molecular Diagnostics
The role of molecular diagnostics in the management of Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma (ICC) is increasing. Tumor-specific genetic mutations and alterations of ICC tumors may be identified through next-generation sequencing (NGS), which in turn helps in therapeutic stratification. Determination of ER, PR, and HER2 status by IHC and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) also improves the molecular classification of ICC. These molecular diagnostics assist in devising customized therapies that are specific to the particular genetic makeup of the tumor.
Therapeutics of Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma (ICC)
| Therapeutics |
Drug Name |
Target |
Description |
Stage |
| Hormone Therapy |
Tamoxifen |
Estrogen Receptors |
A selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks estrogen from binding to cancer cells, thereby inhibiting their growth. It is commonly used for hormone receptor-positive ICC. |
Approved |
| Aromatase Inhibitors |
Anastrozole
Letrozole
Exemestane |
Aromatase Enzyme |
These drugs reduce estrogen levels in postmenopausal women by inhibiting the conversion of androgens to estrogens. They are used for hormone receptor-positive ICC. |
Approved |
| Radiation Therapy |
- |
Cancer Cells |
Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It is often recommended after lumpectomy or mastectomy to reduce the risk of recurrence. |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
Cyclophosphamide
Epirubicin
Fluorouracil
Docetaxel |
Rapidly Dividing Cells |
Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. It may be used if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or in more aggressive cases. |
Approved |
| Targeted Therapy |
Trastuzumab (Herceptin) |
HER2 Protein |
A targeted therapy drug that blocks the HER2 receptor, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells that overexpress HER2. It is used in ICC cases that are HER2-positive. |
Approved |
| Targeted Therapy |
Lapatinib (Tykerb) |
HER2 Protein |
Another targeted therapy drug that inhibits the HER2 receptor and is used in cases where other treatments have failed. |
Approved |
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's diagnostics and therapeutics development services offer a significant advantage in the development of accurate diagnostic tools and effective therapeutic strategies for Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma (ICC). Protheragen's services leverage cutting-edge technologies and expertise in molecular biology and pathology to ensure scientific precision and innovation.
Diagnostics Development
- Karyotype Analysis Service
- Omics Analysis Service
- Biomarker Development Service
- Artificial Intelligence Service
Therapeutic Development
- Anticancer Peptide
- Gene Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Monoclonal Antibody
- Phytotherapy
- Small Molecule Drug
- Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine
Disease Models
- Breast Tumor Organoids
- HER2 Transgenic Mouse Models
- Xenograft Mouse Models
- Spontaneous Canine Tumor Models
Protheragen's preclinical research services for Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma (ICC) are designed to accelerate the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Ju, Hong, et al. "A rare case of invasive cribriform carcinoma in male breast." The American Journal of Case Reports 24 (2023): e938939-1.
- Branca, Giovanni, et al. "An updated review of cribriform carcinomas with emphasis on histopathological diagnosis and prognostic significance." Oncology reviews 11.1 (2017): 317.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
