Meckel's Diverticulum Carcinoma (MDC) represents a rare and aggressive malignancy originating from Meckel's diverticulum (MD), the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. Protheragen offers comprehensive services for the development of both diagnostics and therapeutics for Meckel's Diverticulum Carcinoma.
Overview of Meckel's Diverticulum Carcinoma (MDC)
Meckel's Diverticulum Carcinoma (MDC) is a rare malignancy that arises from the Meckel's diverticulum, a congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. This condition is characterized by the presence of an outpouching of the ileum, typically located approximately 60-100 cm from the ileocecal valve. While Meckel's diverticulum itself is relatively common, occurring in about 2% of the population, the development of carcinoma within this diverticulum is exceedingly rare, with an incidence of only 0.5% to 3.2%. MDC is most commonly diagnosed in adults and often presents with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, or complications related to inflammation or obstruction. The rarity and nonspecific presentation of MDC make it a challenging condition to diagnose and treat effectively.
Fig.1 Immunohistochemical findings for the resected tissue of ectopic pancreatic adenocarcinoma in Meckel's diverticulum. (Inokuchi S.,
et al., 2024)
Pathogenesis of Meckel's Diverticulum Carcinoma (MDC)
The etiology of Meckel's Diverticulum Carcinoma (MDC) is multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental factors. The presence of ectopic tissue, such as gastric or pancreatic mucosa, within the diverticulum is a significant risk factor. These tissues can secrete digestive enzymes or acids, leading to chronic inflammation and ulceration, which may predispose to malignant transformation. Additionally, chronic inflammation itself can induce genetic mutations and promote the development of dysplastic changes, eventually leading to carcinoma. While specific genetic mutations associated with MDC have not been fully elucidated, it is likely that a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors contributes to the pathogenesis of this rare malignancy.
Diagnostics Development for Meckel's Diverticulum Carcinoma (MDC)
Technetium (Tc-99m) scintigraphy or radioisotope-labeled erythrocyte scans are employed to detect active bleeding from the diverticulum. These imaging techniques are particularly useful in cases where gastrointestinal bleeding is suspected, as they can localize the source of bleeding and confirm the presence of a Meckel's diverticulum.
Definitive diagnosis of MDC requires histological examination of the diverticulum. Histology can differentiate between various types of malignancies, such as adenocarcinoma, carcinoid tumors, or gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), providing critical information for treatment planning.
Therapeutics Development for Meckel's Diverticulum Carcinoma (MDC)
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy plays a vital role in the management of MDC, particularly in advanced or metastatic cases. Oxaliplatinum (L-OHP) is a platinum-based cancer drug that inhibits DNA synthesis and has demonstrated efficacy in arresting tumor growth in preclinical models. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a fluoropyrimidine antimetabolite widely used in the therapeutic of various adenocarcinomas, including gastric and colorectal cancers. Recent studies using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models have shown that 5-FU can eradicate tumors, making it a promising candidate for first-line therapy in MDC.
- Targeted Therapies
Targeted therapies focus on specific molecular pathways involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. While no targeted therapies are currently approved specifically for MDC, ongoing research aims to identify actionable genetic mutations and develop targeted agents that can be tailored to individual patients' needs. This personalized approach holds the potential to improve outcomes and reduce the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.
Table 1. Therapeutics of Meckel's Diverticulum Carcinoma (MDC).
| Therapeutics |
Drug Name |
Target |
Description |
Stage |
| Adjuvant Therapy |
N/A |
Post-Surgical Therapeutic |
Additional therapeutics, such as radiation therapy or targeted therapies to prevent recurrence. |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
Oxaliplatinum (L-OHP) |
DNA Synthesis |
Platinum-based drug that inhibits DNA synthesis, arresting tumor growth. |
Preclinical |
| Chemotherapy |
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) |
Proliferating Cells |
Fluoropyrimidine antimetabolite that disrupts DNA synthesis, leading to cell death. |
Preclinical |
| Targeted Therapy |
N/A |
Specific Molecular Pathways |
Targeted therapies focus on specific molecular pathways involved in tumor growth. |
Early studies |
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 is a leading provider of comprehensive services for the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for rare cancers, with a particular focus on Meckel's Diverticulum Carcinoma (MDC). Leveraging our cutting-edge facilities and extensive expertise in preclinical research, we are uniquely positioned to offer a wide array of customized services that address the distinct challenges posed by MDC.
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
- Tumor Cell Lines
- Patient-Derived Tumor Organoids (PDTOs)
- Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Mouse Models
- Orthotopic Xenograft Mouse Models
Protheragen's competitive advantage in the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for Meckel's Diverticulum Carcinoma (MDC) lies in our ability to integrate diverse scientific disciplines and leverage advanced technologies. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Inokuchi, Shoichi, et al. "Ectopic pancreatic adenocarcinoma in Meckel's diverticulum: a case report." Surgical Case Reports 10.1 (2024): 46.
- Masaki, Noriyuki, et al. "Meckel's Diverticulum Carcinoma Is Arrested by Oxaliplatinum and Eradicated by 5-Fluorouracil in a PDX Mouse Model Indicating Candidate First-line Treatment for a Rare Cancer." in vivo 37.4 (2023): 1482-1485.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
